Sorrow

"Loss presses hard when it writes its signature across our lives."  --Launa Hermann

It seems that the past weeks have brought so much grief to dear friends and loved ones. But as we all discover, sorrow is as much a part of life as is joy. None of us are immune.

Sorrow has so many faces. People we love die, and sometimes they just walk away. Dreams disappear into reality. The future we expected and planned for is shattered.

We cry out to God begging for answers. Begging for relief. Begging for suffering to end.

"How long, O LORD? How long must this go on?"

And the gentle answer comes back. "Just long enough."

Long enough for us to trust God's timing.

Long enough for us to find rest in his mercy.

Long enough for us to finally lay it all down in the mighty hands of God.

Until finally our question changes.  "How long, O LORD? How long will you love me?"

And this time the gentle answer comes back, "Forever."

"Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony,
My soul is in anguish,
How long, O LORD, how long?

I am worn out from groaning,
all night long I flood my bed with weeping;
and drench my couch with tears....

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer."

Psalm 6:2-3, 6, 9