READ: JOHN 16:22; 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-14; REVELATION 21:1-5

"I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Through my father’s sobbing and his slurred speech, I could piece together the message: Mom had died.

It didn’t really register for me then, but now, a year and a half later, it has. In the moment, accepting what I’d just heard was impossible enough, but to even consider that a future existed seemed as likely as Star Wars becoming reality.

Whether I knew it or not, life, in its entirety, had changed. As the months passed, more and more realizations set in every day. She would never see me graduate, never see me get married, never meet her grandchildren. All of these life events that should be celebrated would always be shrouded by a thick set of black clouds.

Even so, people approached me during the viewing and funeral, trying to comfort me with sentiments of, “It’ll be okay,” and “She’s in a better place.” I would have appreciated these statements if they were said after those first couple of months. When the world has crumbled, logical beliefs don’t mean much.

It was well after the funeral that I recalled a verse that would bring healing and a modicum of understanding to my soul: Revelation 21:4. Reading that verse and others like it quiets my heart and soul, finally giving me a moment— even if it is just a moment—of peace and understanding.

In my overwhelming grief, I’ve had one hope to cling to: Mom is with Jesus forever. We will be reunited because He rose from the grave. And then there will be no more tears. • Carson D. Jacobs

• Have you lost someone close to you? How has this loss affected you? Everyone mourns differently, but sometimes we try to avoid mourning, which can be unhealthy. Remember, Jesus took time to grieve during His life on earth. And even now, He sits beside us in our pain and weeps with us. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about what you’ve experienced and how you’ve felt. You can be totally honest with Him. You don’t need to hold anything back.

• Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to save us, everyone who has put their trust in Jesus can look forward to the day He will raise us from our graves to live with Him forever in renewed creation (Revelation 21:1-5). Why is the promise of the resurrection so important, especially when we’re grieving?

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 (CSB)