Recently I received a letter from the parole board notifying me of an upcoming hearing for the guy who murdered my brother ten years ago. This unexpected news sent me into a deep, dark place of grief that I’d only recently began to climb out of.
The two weeks prior I’d begun to feel better. Not grieving nearly as much since the death of my sister. The weight of the spring holidays had subsided, and I’d resumed my morning walks. Now over the weekend I found myself on the sofa, binge-watching TV shows and unable to move.
During the moments I tried to sit down and read my bible I couldn’t focus. My heart was heavy with grief, and I’d simply sat, staring at the pages of my bible. “What else can I do” I wondered. Sitting in front of the television each day does not appeal to me. Immediately I thought of a familiar passage of scripture.
“…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
Isaiah 61:3 KJV
I remembered a song by Michael Bethany entitled “Walk with You.” The lyrics conveying my heart’s desire to walk with the Lord and be in fellowship with Him continually. But lately, I could barely open my bible or read it. I began to listen to the words of the song and allowed it to minister to me. Allowing the music to do what I could not do for myself.
If you find yourself with a heavy heart, I encourage you to worship. Quietly and if needed allow the tears to flow. Cast your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and ask Him to help you through this most difficult time. He hears and will answer (Jeremiah 33:3).
Here are three things to help you get moving:
- Find a playlist by your favorite gospel and/or Christian artists and play it constantly. Allow the music to lift your spirit.
- Be gentle and patient with yourself. Remember that our relationship with God is not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Read the scriptures when your spirit is lifted.
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