Knowing the destination and the way are important on any journey. Destination and way are vitally important in life, as well. But when chaos, pain, and grief enter that journey, the destination and way do not change and become even more important. They are your life.
“I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:11-13
Loss is a time to keep your eyes on the prize. The Word of God is a treasured gift. It is your guide. Psalm 119:105 clearly guides us to hold fast to this valued instruction: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
In these pages, we are taught the way of wisdom and the paths of uprightness. Our steps, even in chaotic and painful loss, are not hampered. Even in grief, you can walk in a way worthy. You have all you need to avoid stumbling. Instruction in wisdom is a treasure to guard because she is your life in the shadow of death.
“My son, be attentive to my words…For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20,22
If you’re facing loss, you have been wounded. So many fellow grief travelers have agreed that the best illustration for grief is amputation. You can heal from an amputation, but you cannot get your arm back. If you’ve lost someone close to you, this illustration makes perfect sense. Loss is an emotional injury. You cannot ignore it—or you should not ignore it.
Healing comes through these words of life. If you’re in the depths and chaos and confusion of loss, hold tight and remain attentive to the words of life.
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27
Let’s continue this line of thinking beyond healing from grief but including grief. Your focus matters. Keep your eyes fixed and your gaze forward. Focus on the path. Watch where your feet land. These words of life will guard your steps in all of life, including forays into periods of grief.
John 1:1 reminds us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The words of life point us to the word himself.
Jesus.
Do not swerve away. Keep your eyes on the words of life and the word of life. Again, these are especially wise words during grief. Walk with your gaze on Jesus, and your way will be sure. Many would-be gods, many self-proclaimed wise ones vie for your allegiance. Refuse to turn to them. Turn to God and live. Ponder and do not swerve to the right or to the left.
These words of life and this word of life will turn your feet from evil. Join Peter in John 6:68: “…Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…”
“…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
Read the E-book Facing Loss: Lessons of Hope from My Unwanted Journey
I continue to be encouraged regularly by the strong words. I know they are preparation for losses ahead. I feel more prepared with each post for this journey that is inevitably mine.
I don’t recommend the journey, but you don’t have to be afraid of it. Press on, Seth, and thank you for your encouragement.