The Gift of Joy in Loss
John Osborne
Life often presents us with trials and challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and alone. In those moments of difficulty, the presence of God becomes a powerful source of comfort and strength. Knowing that our God is a loving and caring God reassures us that we are never truly alone, even in our darkest hours.
Recently, one of our Christ-following neighbors lost her husband. He had battled dementia and alzheimers for some time, but over the last couple of weeks his overall health had rapidly deteriorated. It was painful to watch how those diseases ravaged his mind and body (I write all of this with the permission of my neighbor).
What continues to amaze me is how calm and peaceful our neighbor has been. She has truly experienced the peace of God through it all. God has comforted her with His presence in a way that is observable and noteworthy. This reminds me of some of the truths we find in God’s Word.
One of the most comforting promises in Scripture is found in Hebrews 13:5, where God assures us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This promise serves as a reminder that regardless of our circumstances, God is with us, offering His love and kindness. His presence is a constant source of hope, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with courage.
We read in Psalm 46:1 that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This verse highlights that God is not just an abstract idea but a tangible help in times of need. When we face adversity, when we face uncertainty - we can turn to Him, finding comfort and strength that surpasses our understanding. In our moments of despair, we can trust that His love surrounds us. His presence calms our fears and reassures us that He is in control.
As our neighbor continues to process her grief, I know that 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 will hold true for her. Paul writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”
Our neighbor wrote on our HOA Facebook page these words, “As David took his last breath, the most peaceful look and radiant glow on his face gave us much comfort and joy. I will miss (him) greatly!! But the Lord has given me such peace knowing he is out of pain and struggling and I will see him again.”
What a blessing to experience the presence and peace of God!
As you read this blog, our neighbor knows that her husband is in a better place. In the midst of all of her trials and loss, she has been given a “gift of joy” (her words) that can only come from God. May her story and the promises of God inspire you to trust that God can help you as well.