When we sustain loss

When Thomas Dorsey’s wife died after giving birth, he was devastated. Then his grief was compounded with the death of their baby who had also struggled at birth. He cried out, “Lord, why did this have to happen to me?” After walking in the darkness of frustration, he sat on the bench of an old upright piano. There he voiced the prayer of his heart, singing these words: “Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.” This song is now the hymn, “Precious Lord, Take my Hand.”

Does God care? Is He really aware of what is happening to you? Or is He indifferent to the whole matter?

When your emotions are affected, logic or things that you know to be true don’t figure largely in your frame of reference. These are masked by your pain and grief. Yet when you think of your feelings when your children suffer, and know that you hurt for them, you also realize that God, who loves you far more than you love your children, must empathize with your pain and grief as well.

Remember the Old Testament passages detailing how God grieved over Israelites who turned their backs on Him and served pagan gods. Remember when God’s Son hung on that old cross outside the walls of Jerusalem on Good Friday, God turned His head and could not look.

God knows. God cares. And God sees your tears. As the psalmist wrote, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address box4000@guidelines.org. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.