Welcome as we travel through the journey of grief together. Let’s do a quick review of the 5 stages of grief; according to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
- Denial: This can not be happening, it is not real.
- Anger: Why me, why now, it is unfair, they didn’t deserve this.
- Bargaining: If I had only done this, I wish I had…
- Depression: I am so hurt, so sad, so lonely
- Acceptance: I can’t change it but I must go on.
I am going to talk today about bargaining and depression. What is bargaining? This stage is where your mind is struggling with the death of your loved one. Your thought pattern goes to all the things you wished you had done and did not do. Be careful this can be an open door for Satan to come in and do damage. For example, if I had only told him to start that treatment earlier. If I had not been so angry with them when I left the house. If only I had come straight home instead of going shopping etc.
There are many things in life that are beyond our control. We have to learn to accept it, deal with it or make adjustments. Satan will, if you allow him to do so, put you in a trap of second-guessing your every action, motive, and move. Don’t let your life become filled with regret. Regret serves no purpose. God is in control so if it happens a certain way then there is a purpose for it.
Can Christians be depressed? Absolutely. What is depression? A mood disorder that affects how your think, feel, and act. Symptoms include a change in your behavior etc. eating too much or too little, sleeping too much or too little, gaining or losing weight, and a loss of interest in the things that you were usually interested in. it is natural for anyone facing the death of a loved one to experience sadness and emptiness. It is natural to shed tears. It does not make you weak or crazy to do so.
Once again, be careful though. It can be an opportunity for Satan to come in. Do not allow Depression to become your friend. Don’t become comfortable with grief and allow it to be your friend.
I have talked about steps to help you walk through this journey of grief such as journaling, engaging in activities to help others, using art, etc. But today, I am going to share with you the thing that has always helped and is helping me through this journey. WORSHIP. God is still worthy of praise and honor. So every time sadness and depression is coming your way start worshiping. MEDITATE on the word of God. Use your weapon of praise and worship. These are weapons to put in your arsenal.
Here we go.
- Job 1;20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,.
- PSALM 30;11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
- Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
- Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
- Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
- Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- Deu 4;31 Amplified Bible
- For the LORD your God is a merciful and compassionate God; He will not fail you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.
SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD.
Heavenly Father, we come before your throne to obtain help, mercy, and grace in our time of need. Your word tells us that you are a present help and we need you to be just that to us as we journey through grief. Your word gives us strength when we are weak, hope in hopeless times, joy unspeakable, and peace that passes understanding. Holy Spirit help us to pour out our hearts to the father, interpret our moans and groans. We ask you to hold our trembling hands, lead us on, don’t let us fall. We are determined to make it through this storm and we are grateful for great is your faithfulness to us, your enduring love, and your grace. Give us more grace, father, we stand on your word, your grace is sufficient. For this cause, we bend our knees, lift up our hands and open our mouths to worship you. Thank you for loving us the way you do.
