This is the third week in a four-part series on adversity. Read Part 1 and Part 2.
I suppose the most tragic adversity that ever comes is when the death angel visits our home or the homes of our dear friends. We know that death is inevitable and that love cannot hold it back. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). We know it lies ahead of each one of us, but we are never ready to have a place left vacant. We are never ready for the last good-bye. We are never ready for the heart-crushing loneliness that follows the going of our beloved.
To those who have no hope in Christ, death is a tragedy. To those in whose souls that blessed hope blooms — death is a transfer, a going to the better land. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). It may be a tragedy for those left behind, but we weep for ourselves, not for the ones who have been transported to the realms of glory. “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Sometimes the departure comes after a long, lingering illness — when we have looked for the end day after day. Sometimes the telephone rings, or the telegraph messenger knocks at our door with the stunning news of unexpected tragedy that throws us into shocked amazement. There is no need to describe this experience for one who has passed through it. The important thing in the crisis is the attitude we adopt. We cannot change the facts; we can only meet and bear them.
Sometimes people meet this crisis of sorrow rebelliously and resentfully. Ordinarily, death is the result of natural causes — disease, accidents, old age, and the like. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Do you remember how Jesus wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus? “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Did He shed tears of hypocrisy — or of genuine sorrow and sympathy? When death comes to our circle, the Christian attitude is one of submission and full reliance on the goodness and wisdom of God. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Sometimes there are days of waiting for tidings from some loved one far away. These are days that try the soul. There are times when uncertainty, fear, and agitation can be borne by sharing it with Him who is ready to share all our troubles. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). To the extent we trust at such times, to that extent He will be our helper and our strength.
God’s comfort in our times of sorrow is not an imaginary thing. It can be so real that it is a balm for our wounded spirits. Having passed through the experience more than once, the writer knows within himself how real and vital and sustaining the comfort of God can be. He knows how corroding sorrow can be mixed with the joy of the divine Friend and a deep and satisfying sense that God understands and cares and helps. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you and will comfort by healing your wounds and bringing peace. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
