The memorial service for Jona took place three weeks ago this evening. Reality – and its implications – are only beginning to sink in. (It’s hard...)
We continue to look to our Good Shepherd. I recently restarted a study on the book of Job, using a very readable commentary, Beyond Suffering: Discovering the message of Job, by Dr. Layton Talbert.
Here is the core of comfort in the message of Job: beyond suffering, past our pain and loss, is a God Who is not only all-knowing and omnipotent, sovereign and free to do as He chooses but also always good and just, loving and wise, purposeful and perfect in all that He chooses to do or to allow – and ultimately aware of all its effects on us. In a word, God is always sovereign, God is always benevolent, and ultimately God always rewards (both evil and good). But He is the center of all life, not we. When we ignore or doubt or deny these realities in the face of suffering, we not only harm ourselves but also rob others of an opportunity to see God as He truly is.
(from the Preface)
I'm hoping to post occasional gleanings from my study...
5 comments:
Praying for you...
I read this today, on the day (three years ago) that my beloved husband entered the gates of glory. I stand completely in the Sovereignty of God, His work in Ken's life, His work in my life, His work in our children's lives. He did it for our good, and while it is painful and sorrowful, His way is perfect. And when "sorrows like sea billows roll", it is well with my soul. May our great loving God continue to grant healing for those of us called to live.
As the shock and grief begins to fade for those in the outer cores of the relationship, the pain and grieving is simply commencing for those in the inner core. You (and Jona's parents and brother) have been in my constant prayers. I know that the reality of the loss is just now sinking in--and probably not fully even yet. The empty place at dinner, the silent guitar, the empty bed room, the lack of jokes emminating through the house, the lack of typical teen-age/sibling confrontations....the reality that none of those things will ever be the same is just now beginning to dawn. May the God of all comfort hold you in His arms and soothe you like a mother holds and soothes her crying baby.
Bises.
Praying for all of you.
Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Thank-you for your kind, encouraging, and true words -- and, most of all, for your continued prayers for our family.
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