Healing from Pain and Agony
Grief is an unwanted burden that proves overwhelming to many. Well, some may take it in their stride, but others are unable to cope, while others struggle to come along.
When we think of grief, so many things come to mind. But loss of a loved one, dream, cherished part of life, and such occurrences can rip us apart, leaving us in a furtive search for a lifeline. During times like these you realize how naked you are, and how vulnerable you can be.
Understanding Grief
Grief is a very natural part of human emotion, that elicits emotions of sorrow, anger and disbelief. This is not to say that you are not allowed to feel otherwise when going through grief, but these are some of the most experienced feelings in grief.
However, it is good to remind yourself that grief is not a destination but a journey. In fact, part of a journey. You could be mourning today and celebrating tomorrow. Just go through this rough patch at your own pace and with grace. You will come out the other end a stronger person.
Is there a right way of going through heartbrokenness? No, there isn't right or wrong in distress. every situation is unique, and everyone was created differently, so you would handle your agony differently. It's allowed.
Even when you feel like giving in, remind yourself that the pain may seem unbearable, but healing is possible. Just focus on healing.
The Power of Faith
Faith is an indispensable source of comfort during loss. It gives a framework for understanding suffering, hope, and is a connection to God Himself, who is way greater than you( or your loss)
Many people turn to different distractions to escape the underlying feelings that come with loss, but there a few real solutions that you could turn to. God is the central focus when it comes to healing from heartache. His words are filled with relief, understanding and optimism.
Look at what he says:
Psalm 23:4New International Version
4
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4New International Version
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Today you are being comforted. Tomorrow you will be strong enough to comfort others. It's God who says it in His word. He is filled with compassion and understanding, that He can't let you be when you are beside yourself. He is beside you instead, carrying you through it all.
John 14:27New International Version
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The peace of God surpasses all manner of human understanding. When He gives you peace, nothing in this world, or the next, would ever disturbed you. Are you feeling like the signs of a storm inside you? Embrace the peace that God gives.
The good thing with the peace of God is that it does not come with a price tag. When He gives, it's in the true sense of giving. In your grief, you have God giving peace to you, and expecting nothing in return.
The power of faith is beautifully illustrated in the story of my grandfather. A man of strong faith, he was devastated by the loss of his son, Nahashon - the brightest star among his many children. The pain was almost unbearable.
I was a young boy, in Form One, and felt helpless in the face of such sorrow. Yet, amidst the storm of grief, my grandfather’s faith, coupled with the support of his district fellowship, became a beacon of hope.
His testimony is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, hope can be found.
Finding hope
Did I just say that hope can be found? How and where? Before I start baring the truth to you, let's flesh out some truth: faith doesn't cross out pain, but it offers us the hope of a better future.
We know that even if things might look bleak today, we are assured of better things tomorrow. Through faith we believe in a future where healing and restoration are possible. Not just possible, but very real.
When we know hat healing is possible we start envisioning it in our minds and working towards it. Misery stops being our driving force, and consolation and inspiration takes its place.
Slowly, a step at a time, you start making progress our of your agony, and into happiness. Am not promising you a one-day experience that leaves you feeling great again, no: grief is a process that takes time.
Just take those baby steps towards healing, and work your way up. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel your emotions. Who doesn't experience them?
Seeking Support
During tormenting times, it's advisable to not shrink back into your cocoon and rot in misery. Instead, it would be of great help to surround yourself with a supportive community. They don't have to be all the witty and mighty people, or the most sympathetic. Your normal group of friends can do.
The idea is to enable you to share your feelings with someone who can lend an ear, be it a support group, trusted friend.... or you can seek professional counselling. By all means, don't keep your feelings to yourself. You don't have to go through it alone.
You will realize at the end that grief, though a challenging experience, is a great opportunity for growth and spiritual deepening. Do you remember the song that goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller..."
Grief is not there to kill you: It's there to shake out the loose bolts, and replace them with steel-reinforced ones. Your loss is for your detriment ,but so that you can gain experience in life, and a testimony for the future.
Through faith you will find solace, strength and hope to carry you through.
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