Genuine Grief
David was not happy at all when Saul died. He was grieved over the death of King Saul and over the death of Jonathan, his friend, as well as over all of the people who died in the battle when Israel was defeated.(II Samuel 1:11,12) Saul had caused David much anguish and pain, but David loved and respected him. Jonathan had been a true friend, and their relationship was a great blessing to David. David knew their death and the defeat would lead to him becoming king, but he took no joy in how it had come about. Therefore, he entered a time of grieving. We all need to be sure that we genuinely grieve when we lose someone or something close to us.
Grief is the way the Lord designed for us to deal with death and loss. It is good for us to cry when we feel the sincere emotions that come in such a time. It is right for us to fast and to spend time mourning. However, we must not get stuck in mourning and in our grief. God means for us to go through the process of being sad, angry, and questioning until we can go on with our lives in a healthy way in His power. Many people who do not let the Lord help them stay in an unhealthy state of grieving for years and years. That is not God's will. He created grief for us to express our hearts and then to go on living in His joy and peace. I pray that we all understand this grief process, and we have experienced it in a very healthy way. However, if we are stuck for any reason, I pray that we will ask the Lord to show us how to go on with Him and to live in His purpose and joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 4-6.
Grief is the way the Lord designed for us to deal with death and loss. It is good for us to cry when we feel the sincere emotions that come in such a time. It is right for us to fast and to spend time mourning. However, we must not get stuck in mourning and in our grief. God means for us to go through the process of being sad, angry, and questioning until we can go on with our lives in a healthy way in His power. Many people who do not let the Lord help them stay in an unhealthy state of grieving for years and years. That is not God's will. He created grief for us to express our hearts and then to go on living in His joy and peace. I pray that we all understand this grief process, and we have experienced it in a very healthy way. However, if we are stuck for any reason, I pray that we will ask the Lord to show us how to go on with Him and to live in His purpose and joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Samuel 4-6.