Handling GriefSample

God Is Still On The Throne

When death comes in an unexpected way, for example in a sudden accident, or in cases where a young child suddenly dies, there is always a sense that this was not meant to be. We are left reeling at the ambush of fate. This sensation of being caught off guard can sometimes lead us to feel as if God was also surprised, since He didn’t provide us with enough warning or preparation time, as when we are diagnosed with a terminal illness and supplied with a prognosis of time.

But the Bible assures us that God is absolutely sovereign over life and death. He is never caught off guard, He is never surprised at events. No, God ordains everything to the minutest detail. This is the truth that brings peace and rest to a heart that is staggering under the dizzying sucker-punch of sudden loss.

Matthew 10:29-31 says “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

This is a precious and profound reality that needs to be impressed on the grieving heart.

J.C.Ryle writes “Happy is that man who can walk in our Lord's steps, and say, “I shall have what is good for me. I shall live on earth till my work is done, and not a moment longer. I shall be taken when I am ripe for heaven, and not a minute before. All the powers of the world cannot take away my life, till God permits. All the physicians on earth cannot preserve it, when God calls me away.”

In the case of Lazarus, the Bible says “When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 

There is a difference between God saying yes to your prayer for your specific need and saying yes to your prayer to show you His glory. We can be assured that our belief in Jesus’ promise means we will someday understand how God used our pain to glorify Himself. 

Life won’t quit hurting, but neither will Jesus quit caring. If you will trust Him, He will show you His glory.

Remember that death is not the end. Also remember that there could be meaning in this tragedy. That the death would not be meaningless.

The tragedy of atheistic belief is that everything is ultimately objectively meaningless. Death becomes the ultimate tragedy, because it is the final end of life. But our hearts protest against that. We want, we need for there to be meaning, even in tragedy. And in the gospel, there is.

Romans 8:28 gives us the assurance that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

May the Lord use this devotional to convince you that God is still on the throne and that some of your very best days are still ahead, days filled with meaning and significance, as you allow Him to use your hurt to help and encourage others. And that is a glory worth living for.

Quote: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S.Lewis

Prayer: Lord I thank you that you are still on the throne and even through the loss of my loved one, you will glorify Your name and make something beautiful of my life. Amen