Author Lisa Harris

Finding Peace in the Midst of Grief

I had a funny story to share this morning that tied in with Christmas, but have decided to post it later. We found out this morning that my husband's aunt passed away last night and his family is really grieving right now.

With the holidays upon us, it's made me stop and think about the thousands of people who are also hurting right now. Maybe it's your next door neighbor, or a close friend. The woman at work, or the person you see in the check out line at the grocery store. Or maybe it's you. Death of a loved one, an illness, problems with a teenager or a spouse, divorce, miscarriage, loneliness. . .the list could go on and on.

I won't always focus on difficulties on this blog, but how do we find peace in today's fast paced and often chaotic world we live in? Paul talks about a peace that surpasses all understanding in Philippians 4:7, but is it even possible to find?

Several years ago I embarked on a spiritual journey that would change my life forever. Struggling with bouts of depression from the heartache of infertility, I felt that the presence of God had left me. Instead of stopping and listening to His voice, I cried out to Him in anger and frustration feeling as if He'd left me. Didn't God promise rest to the weary and peace for the soul in need? God had becoming nothing more than a distant figure who had left me to deal with my own humanity and confusion.

It was at this time that a friend challenged me to dig deeply in the word of God and discover for myself who God is. I was forced to answer one challenging question: Did I believe God was in control of everything, including every aspect of my own life? If He wasn't, there was no reason to continue to follow Him.

Peace did not come over night for me, and it certainly didn't come easily. It took years of God teaching me, molding me, and helping me to grow. My search led me through an intense study of scripture and ultimately to the point where I can now "hold unswervingly to the hope I profess." (Hebrews 10:23)

Yes, there are times when I still stumble, but then I remember that HE is in control no matter what is happening around me. Psalm 29:11 says, "the Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

God is faithful no matter what happens today, and with His strength we can overcome our grief and live a life filled with His spirit. It’s never relying on our own strength to get us through difficult times, but leaning on the mighty arm of God and being continuously filled with His Spirit. There will always be painful situations to deal with in life. And God will always be there for His people.

Jesus said in John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I'm going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Blessings,

Lisa