Anger in Loss

I received some troubling news this weekend. A friend from back home that I played ball with and went to school with passed away suddenly. He was only 27 years old. His wife was a classmate in high school as well as college. It was just a few months ago that I sat in her beauty salon getting my hair cut, chatting with him about life and playing with their two-year-old daughter. Although we had not spent much time together outside of high school, small town people have a particular connection. The news of his passing sits like a lump in my stomach and just has a dull, discomforting, sad, pain. I can't help but think about the difference in the discomforting feeling in my heart and the earth-shattering pain of his wife and family. Everything they had worked to build together in their relationship, finances, and future came to a sudden halt.

As believers, we give God the full responsibility of the things that happen in our lives, good or bad. When times are good, we say things such as, “we are so blessed,” and “God is good.” But, when awful things happen we turn those feelings of anger to God as well. “I don't understand,” “Why would a loving God allow this person to die,” “Where was God when these things happened?” These are all typical questions and completely understandable in painful circumstances. After reading an article by John Piper, he said, “It is ok to express our anger TO God, but not be angry AT God.” Anger is a natural reaction to painful circumstances, and it is only right that we express those feelings to God. He already knows our thoughts and our emotions and desires to comfort us in our time of pain.

Psalms 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalms 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Not everything in this life makes sense. The loss of my friend doesn't make sense. He was young and working hard to provide for his family. Although this loss hurts, we must express our feelings to God and ask for comfort. John Piper concluded his article about anger by saying, “We may cry, in agony, "My God, My God, where are you?" But we will follow soon with, "Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” God promises to comfort the brokenhearted. As the mourning process continues, the healing process will start. It is in these times I will continue to pray for comfort for his family and restoration of spirit. Blessings to those who have lost friends and family members and may God comfort you in your time of need.