Grace and peace to you, in times of mourning (Colossians 1:1-2)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Colossians 1:1-2 NIV Bible Gateway

This was a greeting from Paul to the church of Colossae, and today, it became a comforting message to us. Our church just lost a beloved sister to a heart attack last night. Such a sudden passing put us in so much distress and disbelief. So many of us went to bed with troubled hearts. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father” – a promise from the Father to His children and a promise that was much needed this morning.

Thanks to the Lord for giving us His peace and comfort through His church and prayer. While our hearts were overcast by sorrows and sadness was too great to be expressed by words, we came together to worship, grieve, and pray. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15). Although with broken words, weeping and praying together offered a powerful way to support one another and to channel our thought to our loving Father. It provided many comforts and healing to our anxious hearts. It’s so true that “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mat 5:4) Crying is a gift, and our tears, are the healing waters! The Lord hears our cry, and He also draws near to the brokenhearted. With the togetherness of the church community and the nearness of the Lord, His grace and peace flourished.

God’s comfort also came through the Holy Spirit that lives in me. I was reminded of the living hope given to us through Christ. I found my piece of comfort by seeing the hope in my heart — Our beloved sister is now resting in the arms of her Maker and Father, who had known her and loved her. She is also meeting our Lord, who loved her and died for her, face to face. The Lord has ended her sorrows and suffering in this world, and she is now resting on the glory side.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). The time to mourn will cease, and the time to dance will come. Sweet memories will be remembered, and one day is shared on that glory land when we meet again. Yes, until we meet again.

My heart and prayers continue to be with the family!

Lord, may you carry the family and strengthen them with your peace and grace in this difficult time. May your peace be with them, and they can also find rest and hope in You! Guard and bless everyone’s heart with your grace and peace!

In remembrance of this sister, “The Untitled Hymn“ by Chris Rice came to mind this morning.

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