A Season for Grieving

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

This past month has been a difficult one for our nation. We have seen the devastating impact of three hurricanes on scores of Southeastern US and Caribbean communities. We have been bombarded by the media with divisive displays by athletes using their game to promote their cause. The international peace continues to be threatened by a nuclear arms race in North Korea and Iran. Investigations and allegations run rampant through our federal government in a seemingly  endless battle of  political wills. And, finally, this week’s tragic massacre in Las Vegas where over 500 people were wounded or killed. In dark days such as these, it  is easy to see why the writer of Ecclesiastes laments the meaninglessness of human existence without God.

Were we to try to weather all of  life’s storms, trials, tribulations, and senseless loss of life under our own power, we would surely empathize with the lamentation of Ecclesiastes.  There is a purpose for which this  Scripture was written – it is to  remind us that our lives WITHOUT GOD are meaningless. There is a season for everything under Heaven – we will have ups and downs, victories and defeats, joy and grief and it will all be meaningless WITHOUT GOD.  As our nation searches for answers to difficult questions regarding disasters, divisions, and death, we, the Children of The Living God, must stand up and be heard. There are no satisfactory answers to why we suffer premature deaths, and loss of property – nothing we can say to one who  is grieving a loss will “heal” them – that is beyond our power. But, it’s not beyond HIS power. Our steadfast reliance on God to pull us through every difficult situation and our joyful expression of gratitude when  He does, is one of the best witnessing tools we have.

So, this week as you interact with  those suffering from tragedy of  any  ilk, remember to draw on the power of The Holy Spirit who indwells you and allow Him to speak and act through you. Pray for our country to return to God and actively show Christ’s love to others regardless of how they treat you.

-Pastor Dave Jones