I am sure that most of us – perhaps all of us – when we hear the phrase “Good Grief,” immediately think of Charlie Brown. That poor little guy seemed to have bad luck following him everywhere he went and in every season. “Good Grief, Charlie Brown!”
Most of us – perhaps all of us – know, however, that the losses we endure in this world are real and that they affect us in many ways. Grief is deep and powerful. It is an emotion that flows in when we experience the loss of someone or something we hold precious. Grief is the price we pay for loving and engaging in this life.
As Christians, we have the assurance that we are not alone in our grief. Our Father has promised that “[He] is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed,” and that He is “our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” [Psalm 34:18, 2Corinthians 1:3 NLT]
God has also commanded other believers to be God’s “physical arms” around us when we experience both the joys and the sorrows of this life. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” [Romans 12:15 NIV]
While we usually do not call grief “Good,” like Charlie Brown does, as believers in Christ Jesus, we can call our Father God “Good.” He has provided us with many sources of comfort in our grief. Amen&Amen