Finding Hope and Comfort in the Face of Loss

To those who have been wounded by bereavement, there is a precious Physician and a sympathizing Friend who offers a hope that rises above despondency and griefPaM 217.3+2. While the loss of a loved one is a bitter, cruel enemy that brings intense heart-rending sorrow, we are not left to mourn without hope because of the promise of the resurrection and the soon coming of our SaviorLS 165.4+2.

The Nature of Your Sorrow

• A Natural Grief: It is not a sin to weep, and there is no lack of faith in shedding tears for the loss of a loving companion; even the Savior participated in the griefs and afflictions of His children2SM 264.1+1.

• The Sleep of Peace: Those who have fallen in death are said to be "asleep in Jesus," resting from their labors and free from the cares and pains of this life Revelation 14:13BIAD 65.2+2.

• Protected from Evil: Sometimes the Lord in His providence permits loved ones to be taken away to spare them from the evil and trials to comeARSH August 15, 1854, page 6.8+2.

Where to Find True Consolation

True comfort is not found in the idea of a conscious spirit immediately passing to God, but in the explicit assurance of the Word of God that the dead shall live againBIAD 65.2+2.

• The Voice of the Archangel: Your sorrow can be dispelled by the knowledge that when the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16BIAD 65.2.

• The Reunion of Loved Ones: At the sound of the last trump, those separated by death will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with Him 1 Thessalonians 4:17BIAD 65.2+1.

• A Father’s Hand: Even in the bitter cup of bereavement, we can trust that a Father’s hand holds it to our lips and that He does not afflict or grieve His children willingly Lamentations 3:33Pr 237.3+2.

Looking Forward to the Future Glory

• End of All Tears: We look forward to the "blessed hope" when the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces and swallow up death in victory Titus 2:13+1PK 727.3+1.

• A World Without Pain: In the home of the redeemed, there will be no more funeral trains, no badges of mourning, and the former things of sorrow and crying shall pass away Revelation 21:47MR 152.1+1.

• Eternal Companionship: The Lord has promised to come again to receive us unto Himself, where we shall enjoy conscious companionship with Him and our redeemed loved ones forever John 14:3IMBG 16.1+1.

May the Lord help you to cease worrying and find rest in the promises of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:62MCP 467.3+1. Focus your mind on the pleasant hope of the resurrection, for the morning comes when joy will replace your weeping Psalms 30:5ARSH March 12, 1861, page 135.23+2.