The Apostle Paul addressed this issue for the believers of his day nearly 2,000 years ago, and the revelation of it still holds true for us today:
“Brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in him…. So encourage one another with these truths” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18, TPT).
Practically, the feelings of grief can be overwhelming, and I personally don't think there is spiritual immunity to it, it's easier said than experienced.
Though he was writing to people who were in relationship with God, Paul still had concern for their well-being. He understood that grief can be a killer. If unconfronted, it has the potential of becoming a destructive stronghold in our souls—even producing sickness and disease in our bodies. If left unchecked, it can take out a life just like death does.
Jesus experienced this firsthand. Just as He was about to begin His journey to the cross, Jesus went to His favorite place to pray. It was there where He got honest with His Father and asked if there was any way around His having to be arrested, tortured, crucified and cast into hell. When it was apparent that the answer was no, He got just as honest with His disciples…
“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
Grief can lead us down an unhealthy path of vulnerability, a path where our emotions are directing our steps and our destiny, instead of our Holy Spirit-filled, born-again spirits leading us.
Again, Paul’s point: Don’t go down that road. Get control of yourself. Remember you have a future and a hope—in heaven, with God, and with believers who have gone ahead of you.
The feeling resurrects, but try to get above it as soon as you can. Praying in the Spirit helps me personally. We don't want the enemy to take hold of us.
Psalm 116:15, NKJV
From God’s perspective the death of any of His saints is precious and glorious, something to be celebrated.
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