This week we gathered to say goodbye to a faithful Christian. Even though Shirley Hein was homebound (due to COPD) – she had found a way to remain a part of the Summit church via live streaming (t.ly/NzXAW). All we did was keep her well supplied with portable communion supplies.

As Jesus was saying goodbye to this world, He called out to His Father in Heaven saying: “Into thy hands I commit my spirit”. After several torturous beatings and hours on Calvary’s cruel cross, His body was giving out. He knew He had to commit His spirit to His Father’s care.

But what about those who would be left behind? How would they move on? In the American Journal of Psychiatry, 07/1997, p.904 (t.ly/wJqJx) seven symptoms are listed that point to Complicated Grief Disorder. The researches advised seeking help, if after 14 months, three of the following symptoms are still present:
1. Intrusive memories or fantasies about the deceased loved one
2. Strong pangs of emotion related to the lost relationship
3. Powerful yearnings or wishes that the departed person was still present
4. Intense feelings of loneliness or emptiness
5. Avoidance of people, places, or activities that remind the grief sufferer of the deceased
6. Recurrent sleep interference and disturbance
7. Significant loss of interest in work, social, personal, or recreational activities

So, how do we heal from such afflictions? By utilizing 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Paul gives a road map to healing from even the most severe trauma.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Paul is saying that the path through affliction involves us seeing, seeking, and sharing.

SEE (verse 3): First, focus on who God is when comfort is needed. Look carefully at verse three. See how God is described and bring that part of Him into your
traumatized heart.
SEEK (verse 4a): Second, notice where your hurting heart will find comfort. Search it out from God. Tell your soul to wait, in silence, before God only – expect healing to come from Him (Ps.62:5).
SHARE (verse 4b): And third, since we don’t grieve as the world who has no hope (1 Thess.4:14), Christians eventually find a semblance of normalcy. But there are many who don’t. So, share your comfort with others who are still afflicted.

Father God, thank you for being the God of all comforts to us. Help us to comfort those who are afflicted. This we pray through your merciful Son, Jesus Christ – amen.