Healing After Loss

As I mentioned last Sunday, this season often brings the highest number of suicides and the highest number of reported cases of depression. Christians aren't immune from this--in fact, we're often the Enemy's TARGET for these things.

So what do we do about it?

I like using the examples of Elijah (1 Kings 19) and Job (Job 1-42) to illustrate the process. In both cases, these powerful men of God experienced loss. Elijah was threatened by Jezebel and feared for his life. Job lost his crops, his kids, his health and almost his marriage too. Still, both men were restored and with that restoration, gave us some powerful lessons.

Click read more for a summary of some material I presented this week at the Newington Reemployment Group, Monday evening in the Newington Library Community Room:

1. As cliché as it sounds, "This too SHALL pass!" Even Job ended up surviving the loss of everything in his life...in fact, he did better than just survive (see below).

2. Venting to God is OK—it’s part of the healing process and He knows it! No matter how angry you are, God knows and wants you to talk with Him about it. Read the Psalms--David did this all the time. You need it--it will help you draw closer to God.

3. Stay away from negative friends! Find helpful, encouraging counselors! Job's first three friends almost killed him. You don't need more negativity and personal condemnation--find an Elihu. That's someone who will tell you the truth and focus on God instead of just looking at what's wrong with you sans any solutions or hope.

4. Learn to hear God’s voice—He gives the best direction anyway (Prov. 3:5-6).

5. As with Elijah, rest, eating right, & exercise are all part of recovery and growth (Read I Kings 19 carefully, God has him rest, eat and exercise before he speaks to him).

6. Also, as with Elijah, learn to seek and see God in the power and wonder of nature—it puts things in perspective.

7. " " " ", remember, you’re really NOT alone—others are in the "same boat" and can provide support. Elijah found there were 7,000 others doing the same work he was--now that's the antithesis of loneliness!

8. Learn what you can, get up and act—even when you don’t feel like it!

9. If you and I learn from loss—as with Job—the end can be even better than the beginning (Romans 8:28)! Just as with the famous men and women of God, God's plan for you is to make you better, stronger, healthier spiritually and thus, more successful than before. Remember this as you look for the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel."

No matter how you feel this winter and during this Christmas season, remember that we have much to celebrate. Jesus has come and the truth of Immanuel (God with us) brings GREAT promise and blessing!

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Joel