Psalm 31:9, 24
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also… Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Grief is love with no place to go are words recently spoken to me via a sermon. At first, I was unsure of the concept, than it sank in.
We are emotional beings wired to express love outward toward others. When the aim of our love disappears and is no longer available, our heart cries. The emotional and psychological loss of being unable to release the heartfelt love we desire to share with another is overly painful. Our sense of security and helplessness in a dangerous world is shattered. We find ourselves struggling with upsetting thoughts and anxiety that won’t go away.
In this Psalm, King David is lamenting over the iniquity of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her then husband Uriah. This has now evolved where his son Absalom’s is leading a national rebellion against him and the nation. Though God has forgiven him for this past sin, the consequences of these actions have caused some irreversible problems in his life. He is now facing the chastening period grieving and pleading for God’s mercy and intervention.
At this time, many of his friends have abandoned and left him alone. He was on his own without the support necessary to deal with the matter. So he fled and vacated Jerusalem.
As he prayed, bearing his soul, the psychological pain of someone he loves becoming his enemy unleashes within him. The inner battle between protecting the nation and caring for his embattled son has caused great fear and anxiety to overcome him. Yet he moves down the same path as always been his habit. He cries out for help from his Lord.
The end result, David fled, and Absalom entered the city to become King of Israel. Absalom’s reign was short though as he was eventually killed. Then David returned as king of the nation. Yet through the entire ordeal, David grieved over the loss of his son and the chastening brought about by his miscues.
Grief hurts. When you are unable to directly express the love you have for another, it hurts. When you accept the responsibility of a poor choice which harmfully impacts the lives of others who you truly love, it hurts.
Yet we have a merciful high priest in Jesus, who personally understands the human condition. HE relates and intervenes for our good and the good of others who are caught up within our world of choices. Like David closing remarks in Psalm 31, our role is to exercise courage in trusting our Lord.
Jesus has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. As we lean on HIM, HE will fill our cup, sit us at the table, and soothe us through the painful, grieving process which is necessary to heal the body and soul. HE is the reason when we lose someone we love and cherish, our hearts turn to HIM. HE is always there to accept our love and perfectly respond to the situation.
Love unbridled. When grief overtakes us, we are fortunate to hug Jesus and allow His strength, compassion, and care hold us through the process.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
Learn & Grow with these eBooks:
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ (Now Available)
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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