Heaven (Part 3)ਨਮੂਨਾ

Grief Meets Hope

Grief is one of the deepest, most painful experiences we will ever walk through. It shakes us to our core, alters our sense of normal, and leaves us longing for something more – more time, more answers, more hope.

As followers of Jesus, we do not grieve as those without hope (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13). We know that death is not the end but a new beginning. For those who have lost someone they love, the ache of separation is real, but so is the promise of Heaven.

My friend Lara Martin is a funeral celebrant who has walked alongside countless grieving families. Through her experiences, she has witnessed how God draws near in times of sorrow, how His presence brings comfort, and how even in the pain of loss, glimpses of Heaven shine through.

Today, she shares a powerful reflection on grief, comfort, and the promise of eternity.

I’m never more Heaven conscious than when I’m with the bereaved, be it in their home planning a funeral ceremony, or at a graveside or crematorium officiating proceedings. The psalmist tells us that 'The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit' (Psalm 34:18 NIVUK).

The Hebrew word here for 'broken-hearted' is shabar, which means to be broken in pieces, to be completely shattered. What a poignant description of what grief can do to the heart and spirit. We also learn here that God’s promise is twofold: the first is that He is 'close', and the second is that He 'saves' (yasha – delivers, rescues).

Since qualifying as a funeral celebrant in 2019, I have officiated funeral ceremonies of all kinds. Whether a grand affair or a handful of people quietly mourning at a graveside, I have learned that if the Lord is close, there is always divine activity taking place. I have felt it and witnessed it over and over again.

There are so many precious moments, some far too sacred to speak of. What a privilege it is to be with those who mourn, for they are called 'blessed' by Jesus Himself, and His assurance is that 'they will be comforted' (Matthew 5:4 NIV). Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, was in so much anguish that an angel was sent from Heaven to strengthen Him (see Luke 22:43).

There are times in our lives when we too need divine intervention, and none more so than when we are suffering. Be encouraged today that the God of Heaven hears and sees all, and He is acquainted with our grief. He is present in the person of the Holy Spirit, who also goes by the name of 'The Comforter'. I can testify that in my own grief, He has soothed the deepest of wounds, and He can do the same for you.

In society, when a death occurs, we describe it as a 'loss'. We may even offer words of sympathy to the family by commonly saying, 'Sorry for your loss.' We, ourselves, may say that we have 'lost someone', but if that person knew the Lord, there is good news – we haven’t really lost them because we know exactly where they are!

As citizens of Heaven, we believe that Heaven is our true home (see Philippians 3:20). What we experience here on Earth is the pain of separation, given the absence of that person in our daily lives.

I close with a story about a dear friend who died in her early years. Rather than feeling bitter or angry that her time on Earth was ending prematurely, she became increasingly heavenly minded, so much so that she penned her own eulogy, describing the pull of Heaven as being far greater than the desire to stay.

At her funeral, her words rang loud and clear to a packed auditorium: 'If you want to see me again, you need to give your life to Jesus.' In the midst of grief and brokenness, there was a message of hope for the future. The Comforter was close, and there was a harvest of souls that day – a sacred moment where Heaven met Earth.

(Lara Martin: Sacred Moments)

A Hope That Carries Us Through

Grief may feel like an ending, but in Christ, it is never the last chapter. For those who know Jesus, the separation we experience is only temporary, and the hope of reunion is sure. Heaven is not just a distant dream; again, it is a promised reality, a place where every tear will be wiped away, and death itself will be no more (see Revelation 21:4).

But that hope is not just for those who have gone before us; it is for us today. The same God who welcomes His children home is the One who walks with us through the valley. He is close, He is present, and He is enough.

If you are grieving today, may you know that you are not alone. The Comforter is near, ready to hold, heal, and remind you that this is not the end.

If you have never considered what comes after this life, today is the day to ask yourself: Where is my eternal home? Because, as Lara so beautifully shares, Heaven is waiting, and Jesus is calling.

Reflect

• Death is not the end, and we have the promise of Heaven. How does this make you feel?
• Is there anyone in your life who needs to hear about the hope of Heaven? Who could you share this message with today?
• We need to respond to Jesus' call and receive the hope He promises. Will you say yes to Him?

Pray

Lord, in times of grief and in the pain of separation, I pray that I may find comfort in Your nearness. Remind me that death is not the end, but a promise of a glorious reunion in Heaven. Heal my heart with Your presence, and help me hold on to the hope of eternity with You. Amen.