And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Loss. It is something each and every one of us faces at one time or another. Loss is something we go through many times throughout our lives. Loss could be the loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a pet, or maybe it's a more devastating loss like that of someone we know slightly or someone very, very close to us. Loss is something we all go through. Everyone grieves, just differently. Even in the Bible it talks about loss and grief. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, it says "Jesus wept". Even our Savior wept and felt grief.
It can be difficult to pull ourselves out of the sadness. We feel guilt, we feel emptiness, we feel alone. So many different feelings flow through us during a time of loss. I had all these feelings when I lost my mother 9 years ago. I had many of the same feelings when we lost my father-in-law 12 years ago, almost 13. You remember the passing dates each time they come around on the calendar. Feelings are often revisited with each anniversary. But there is great comfort in turning toward the Lord in times of loss.
He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people, He will take away from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken.
It is a comfort to know that death on this earth is not the end. Know that loved ones are resting, waiting on the Lord's soon return. When Jesus returns, all tears will be wiped away, there will be no more pain or suffering, death will be swallowed up forever, and there will be an eternity in God's peaceful kingdom! There is so much comfort in knowing this life is just a small time and even after death, God has promised so much peace and goodness for eternity! Hope in the promises of the Lord.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Find comfort and joy in knowing that God has promised so many good things for those who love and follow Him. I have found so much peace in my heart learning about and following God's Word. Knowing that all of this world, all the suffering, strife, pain, loss, are only temporary. Beyond what we see in front of us, beyond what we feel inside of us, are promises of great peace and love for all. All we have to do is reach out and grab it!
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.