Grief: Hope Through Faith - Geneva College
Geneva College shield
Blog search

Grief: Hope Through Faith

Picture of Grief: Hope Through Faith
Faith

As you sit waiting for class to start, take a quick look at those around you. Although many hide it well, according to David Balk, professor in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and director of the Department’s Graduate Studies in their Thanatology program, 22 to 30 percent of college students have experienced the illness or death of a loved one within the last year and find themselves in the middle of the grieving process.

Although many are hurting on our college campuses, very few people talk about it. This leaves the grief-stricken feeling lonely and isolated. Maybe you fall into this category. With National Grief Awareness Day just around the corner, on Wednesday, August 30, let’s look at grief.

Jesus Modeled Grief

Although Jesus knew He would soon raise Lazarus from the grave, in John 11:35, we see that He was moved to tears over the death of His friend. Although He knew there would soon be no reason for those tears, He allowed Himself to feel and express sorrow. As the Word says in Ecclesiastes 3:1,4, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” His friend had died; it was time to grieve.

You Are Not Alone

You should find solace knowing Jesus experienced the same pain you now feel. You should feel comfort knowing He is with you as you pass through “the valley of the shadow of death.” (Psalm 23:4b) Despite any pain and isolation you're experiencing, you're not alone. Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The LORD is near. In fact, He is but a breath away. Deep faith does not avert grief when a loved one dies. Deep faith gives us a place to turn in our time of need. As stated in Psalms 77:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

 

They Shall Be Comforted

Jesus shared in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Knowing God’s word to be true, you know even when you feel inconsolable, comfort must be present. You have but to turn to Him to find the comfort and healing you so desperately need. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, stands ready to provide God’s peace. Maybe you're not one of the statistics and you aren't experiencing grief at this moment. Could you be part of God’s plan to help someone else as they struggle to find a new normalcy in their lives? Take time to look at those around you once more, this time open to God’s leading. Allow yourself to be a tool in God’s hands, an instrument used to provide friendship, hope and healing to someone who finds themselves grieving, isolated and hurting.

Faith Provides Hope

Through our faith, we find hope through life’s difficult circumstances. In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God.” Our faith means we are never alone. God is always there. Find comfort in the arms of a heavenly Father that loves you and longs for you to fall into His embrace.

Surround yourself with other like-minded individuals at Geneva College, where you’ll receive a biblically based, Christ-centered education. If you’d like to learn more we’d love to explore the possibilities with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.

 

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Aug 30, 2017

Request Information

Learn more about Geneva College.

Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.

Loading...