Hope Restores Our Soul!

Waking up with a smile on your heart is a near impossibility when you are experiencing the raw pain of grief. When you wake up, the feeling you get is that of a sinking spirit. The feeling that lets you know almost immediately that something is not right. In fact, that sick feeling you get in your stomach lets you know that your entire world has been invaded by an enemy we call death, and the world as you once knew it no longer exists. Grief, in its raw stage, robs us of all joy.

God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we each would go through the lonely pain of losing someone we love. That is why He has surrounded us with so many visible assurances of His love and presence in our lives. We can see His mighty power in the rolling of the ocean waves and in the tide that comes rushing into shore. We see His love proclaimed every time there is a sunrise and sunset. We can be assured of His control over the seasons we pass through in our lives when we see new life pushing through the cold soil to usher in spring and all of its newness and beauty.

God is everywhere and is our partner through everything we endure. When we are feeling our lowest, it’s important to anchor onto God and His promises. His love is the only thing that will not change and will not leave. He endures forever and walks by our side always. He lifts us up when we fall, and He carries us when we are too weak to travel this journey we call grief alone.

Don’t be afraid to talk to God. He is with you right at this very moment. He’s our Friend – the one who will not ever leave our side. Call on Him and you will have a listening ear. Look to the heavens and be reminded that death is not the end for those who have gone on before. Death is a new beginning. It is a place where all fear, hatred, sin, and pain cannot exist.

Our grieving hearts will one day be filled with hope that overflows. When we keep looking to God for our daily strength and hope, great things will begin to happen. We will no longer feel alone, and we will cry tears of sorrow rather than tears of regret and bitterness. Hope restores our soul and gives us the strength to go on!--Clara Hinton

“When we look to the heavens, hope appears.” --Clara Hinton

“Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” --Psalm 116:2

Finding the Courage to Mourn

It is a new year, but often the pain of past problems continues to plague your heart and brings lingering grief. Just because the date on the calendar changes does not mean that the pain in your heart will change. So, how do you gain “Hope for the Day”? How can your heart feel comforted?

To mourn is to be comforted. That sounds like something very strange, but there is truth in that teaching. To mourn is to be comforted. Mourning is not enjoyable. Mourning is not fun. Mourning hurts. If we had the choice, mourning would never be a part of our lives. But, to mourn is to be comforted.

When you find the courage to mourn – to really and truly feel your pain and share it – you will begin to notice that changes within your heart begin to take place. When the pain is released it leaves room for hope to begin doing its job. When you “let go” of your pain, you can begin to feel the heavy weight of mourning be lifted. Through your mourning, you will be shown the path to peace.

Be encouraged today! As your tears fall, know that they are being caught by the loving arms of your Savior. Know that you have angels unaware surrounding you to give you comfort. Know that your hope is much larger than your pain! --Clara Hinton

“I don’t understand everything there is to know about mourning, but I do know that I will see a day when the sun will be shining once again!” --Clara Hinton

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” –Matt. 5:4