From Grief to New Beginnings

The beginning of something new often requires the death of something else… Sometimes the death of something marks the time for a new beginning. Whether it be a relationship, job, move, etc.

I need to remind myself that it’s important for me to grieve the deaths, even in the midst of seeing the horizon of new beginnings. Because, in the space between what was and what’s to come, is the beautiful birth of hope and excitement amidst the grief and pain. While it usually creates a roller coaster of emotions, I’m learning to not rush past the feelings that arise and to intentionally sit in reflection as I process it all…heart bared before the Lord.

For people living their lives aligned with Jesus, there are eternal opportunities to be ‘on mission’: to BE the change that this world needs to see, feel, hear, and receive. And whether we’re in the midst of the death of something, or a new beginning, those opportunities are still there.

Through the process of grieving what was, we begin to enter into a new normal, and we open ourselves up to see new sides of God’s character and presence…showing up in our lives in ways that we haven’t yet experienced! I heard someone say once, that you don’t truly know that Jesus is the ONE, until He’s your ONLY. Meaning when He is all that you have… He’s your only hope. He’s the only way that you’re able to continue. It’s in those times, when you know that you know, that HE is the ONE and ONLY begotten Son who came down from Heaven to change your life forever. And this reminder (or first-time realization), often while knee-deep in grief, is the fuel and passion for us to crossover from grief to hope, from sitting in darkness to shining our light, from not wanting to talk to a single soul to being excited to share with anyone Who Jesus is.

So while grief is not something I look forward to…

I’m not content in just knowing the God I’ve always known.

I want to know more of Him.

See more of Him.

Experience more of Him.

Have new revelation of Him.

To be able to tell others that when I was drowning in hurt, darkness, and mess (sometimes of my own doing) the Supernatural showed up, because I trusted Him. But can I tell you that it’s not just that? It’s also reveling in the awe and wonder of who He’s creating me to be. And what He’s created me to do.

God’s not limited by human boundaries, thoughts, or timing. While things may have been a surprise to me, they weren’t to Him. For God is God and I am not.

So in the in-between… before the new beginning, I cling to the promises in the Word of God. That the Spirit of the Lord will bind up the broken-hearted. He will lead us to freedom - comforting those who mourn. Giving crowns of beauty instead of ashes. Wrapping garments of praise over those who are in despair. (See Isaiah 61).

What comfort in times of grief!

What preparation for times of joy!

That the Lord our God would hold us together - right in the middle… through the death, walking with us in the grief. Stirring up joy in us with anticipation and preparation for what’s next. What kind of love is this?! That He would never leave us. Jesus bore that price for us – He was forsaken, so we wouldn’t have to be.