Man of Sorrows

A friend lost her husband recently.  As soon as I heard, my heart went out to her.  Loss, and the grief that comes, is a difficult and heavy thing to deal with.  I grieved while Floyd was sick - and I grieved when he went to be with Jesus.  

It's 4 years ago this week that Floyd passed away, and it still seems like just yesterday.  I thought by now I'd be "used" to it, and it wouldn't be so poignant.  Yes, certainly, time helps to heal - but the sense of loss is still so vivid.  I have moments when I want to say something to Floyd, and then I realize afresh that he's gone.  I continually face situations that I wish he could help with, but I'm on my own.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, we thought I would be the one to go home to Jesus.  We never dreamed it would be Floyd.  He was fit, healthy, and in better shape than he'd been in years.  Then the unknown virus hit, and he was taken down.  From being well to being in ICU in about 24 hours.  It was such a shock.  

The Bible says that Jesus was a "man of sorrows, fully acquainted with grief."  I'm so glad He understands.  It encourages and comforts me on the hard days.  I have walked through several difficult things recently.  I've really missed Floyd - but I lean into Jesus who understands!

"Blesses are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

Without the Lord, I think grief might be unbearable.  But with Him - He helps me day by day.  I'm so thankful for His goodness and faithfulness.