I Corinthians 15:55,57 O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?   

I greatly enjoy the scriptures that speak to our real experiences in life.

It may be hard to accept it at this moment, but I think the worst sting of death does not come at the actual passing of a loved one.  That, obviously, is very emotionally painful.  But I think the lasting sting comes much later when you’re alone with you own thoughts.  You miss them.  You wish they were here.  Loneliness and depression begin to make you feel heartbroken.  But more often than not, most tend to think and embrace the negative things.  But for me, and I believe for you, there is another way to think.  I believe the most, most, most negative thought we could have would be this question: “how much less joy would our life have had if they had never been part of our life?”  That would be a true tragedy.  So, grab a notepad and pen and begin to write down your memories of all that you did together:  cooking; ball games; church; learning to ride a bicycle; traveling together; working together.  Everything you can.  Let yourself smile, laugh and be happy.  It will bring joy to your life and in those moments, when you feel sad and a sense of loss, just get out your note book and remember the great times and celebrate their life with you.  Then be thankful you had them this long and how much they made your life better.

Then when you laugh you can truly say:

O death, where is your sting?  Oh grave, where is your victory?  This pain has no place in me.

Thank you, Father, for letting them be part of my life.

 

*Please begin with “Devotion 1”.  They are progressive.

 

 

Author Profile

Lee Gilliam
Lee Gilliam
Lee is the co-founding designer of Overcoming Grief and author of 2 books and numerous articles. He has been in the ministry for over 40 years. He has traveled to over 80 countries and every state in the USA. His ministerial work involves both teaching and business. He is a mentor to pastors and business leaders alike. He is currently working on his upcoming international conference schedule and we will post it when it's ready. We hope you can attend one that will be close to you!! Please contact me at: leeg@overcominggrief.org