Resources by Topic: Grief and Loss

Contemplating the final end of sorrow has brought me great comfort in my first month of grief after my precious wife’s death. I already can’t wait to see Nanci again and have her show me around Heaven, and then after the resurrection when we relocate to the New Earth, for us to both experience it for the first time together. How glorious that will be, and above all just to be with Jesus regardless of where!

In light of Nanci’s departure to be with Jesus four weeks ago, a kind sister reached out to me, saying she was hoping and praying that I felt the closeness of Jesus. I told her that I do indeed sense His closeness. At the same time, grief and sometimes depression come upon me in waves. But they do not drive out Jesus or the Holy Spirit, both of whom indwell me (Romans 8:8-11).

Today’s blog is excerpted from my book We Shall See God. It’s the first of 50 entries drawn from Charles Spurgeon’s sermons on Heaven, and it’s entitled “Dying Is But Going Home.” It seems fitting to share right now.

Last fall I had the privilege of being on a Zoom call talking about Heaven and the New Earth with a dozen or so moms who had lost children to the same kind of brain cancer. It was an unforgettable 2 1/2 hours, looking into the faces of all these dear women, most of them close to the camera where the tears and the pain were clearly visible.

Tim Challies, whose son went to be with Jesus last year, wrote an article about Helpful Things You Can Say to Grieving Parents. His advice applies to anyone wanting to know what to say to someone who is grieving or going through deep suffering.

In February Nanci and I had to say goodbye to our beloved Golden Retriever Maggie, who had been diagnosed with cancer only six weeks earlier. I have tried to write this blog multiple times, but each time I’ve stopped. It will be long, even though I cut out a lot. I have too much to say.

Jesus gives us reminders of His presence and peace when we are experiencing grief. He is our ultimate comfort, and He must be our focus and source of strength. 

For those who love Jesus, your relationship is not ended but interrupted by death, and will resume. Once it does, in the presence of Jesus, it will never be interrupted again.

For Christians, death is not a wall but a doorway. Death is not a last good-bye but a “See you later.” We grieve differently, yet honestly and openly, precisely because we look forward to our reunion and to a New Heaven and a New Earth.

Here are three things to remember when we’re called upon to comfort those who are grieving, especially during this holiday season.

I lost my son last year in an accident. I know he is in Heaven with Jesus, but I miss him so much. He was a wonderful person. Why does God allow people like him to die while evil people still live on the earth?

Several friends have recently had their close loved ones die. I appreciate these five points from Vaneetha Rendall Risner, a dear sister who has experienced much suffering, on how to minister to others in need. 

Question from Reader: In chapter 35 of Heaven, you talk about being reunited with infants who die. It seems in the beginning of this section that you are defending the idea that the presence of any sin in our children (which they are born into) will mean they are not saved.  Then later on, it seems you are saying that God may cover them with Christ’s blood despite the fact that they can’t confess their belief.  So, I think your stance is that children who die before they can confess their Savior may be saved.  But it’s not clear. Can you clarify?

Question from a reader: I lost a child and am seeking hope and perspective. What resources would you recommend?