Though Peter said Christ’s followers would be “grieved by various trials,” he also said, “In this you greatly rejoice with joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:6). Then Peter goes on to explain that this joy comes from knowing that grief tests us to prove that our faith is genuine. Moreover, it assures the salvation of our souls and promises to bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus on the day when He is revealed to the whole world. Wow! Good Grief!
Hello Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
I believe that grief, like all emotions, can be a good servant, but makes for a terrible master. It is my opinion that God gave us emotions as tools for our toolbox to enable us to cope with a hurt, dying, sinful world. Jesus wept. Jesus sighed. I think both of those reveal that Jesus felt that in those moments when He expressed those emotions, it ought not be like this. What was happening was not the original design intent. God has placed eternity in our hearts, and we were designed for love, joy, and peace in an everlasting relationship with our maker. Anything short of that is a result of the compromise of the original intent. As normal as loss is in our lives, we still grieve, because at the spiritual level, we feel "it ought not be like this."
Grief can be good if it tells us to appreciate the good things and people God has for us. Grief can be good if it tells us that this world and this present age are not our home. We were designed (and destined) for something better. We are just passing through. We need to hold our things more loosely, and our relationships more dearly.
Gratefully gripped by the One who does not let go,
Larry Q
Thanks for opening it up, Larry. Good grief!
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