A Piece of Grief

God is Sovereign. I believe this. However, to actually fall headlong and apprehend this truth in the midst of death, loss, grief, fears, and disappointment is awsome (i.e. dreadful).  To walk “through the valley of the  shadow of death” calls for trusting God's Sovereignty "to the death" which turns out to be life giving.

“Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley” (By Bob Kauflin)

Solemn and bone-wearying grief call me to deeper trust... and a temptation to despair.  “Oh for grace to trust Him more!” The rigors of grief are redefining me and I pray that the “fires of grief” are also refining me.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-8