ESTHER 4:1
When Mordecai hearned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and
ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry.
In the cartoon strip Peanuts, Charlie Brown often exclaims, “Good grief” While he may
not mean it in the literal sense, he is nevertheless right. Grief can be good. Studies show
that those who express their anguish recover more quickly and are healthier as a result.
When Mordecai learned of the terrible fate being planned for his people, he grieved.
Furthermore, he showed that grief in the traditional Jewish way by donning sackcloth and
ashes, lamenting loudly.
Mordecai was not ashamed to show his sorrow. But neither did he let it side track him.
Following his expressions of grief, he took action.
Some Christians equate grief with a lack of faith. To them the unspoken rule is, “If you
mourn, then you are implying that God is not good. Instead of grieving,” they say, “just
rejoice.” But grief is a part of life, even for the most faithful.
The Bible certainly establishes parameters for our grief. The apostle Paul says, But I do not
want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow
as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13).
This verse does not exclude grief but instructs us to hope in the midst of it.Jesus Himself
grieved at the tomb of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35) and even shed tears over the city of
Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37). Certainly Jesus was not lacking in faith.
If you are grieving today, don’t be ashamed of it. You are not an inferior or faithless
Christian because you feel sorrow. Allow yourself the right to grief, but don’t let grieve, rule your life. Grieve, grieve some
more, and then get up and get on with your life. Until the day comes when all tears will be
wiped away, there’s nothing wrong with “good” grief.
WE REJOICE IN SPITE OF OUR GRIEF, NOT IN PLACE OF IT
WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in