MORNING MANNA 3-17-26
GOOD GRIEF
Charlie Brown often used the phrase “good grief”. Let’s just say that good can come from grief. However, bad can come from grief also.
“Thou tellest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle: Are they not in thy book?” Psalm 56:8
These words aren’t just beautiful poetic lyrics in a song from David. “Tears into thy bottle” actually speak of certain, small, clay vessels used to collect tears of one in mourning. After crying into the vessel it would sometimes be buried next to a loved one who had passed away or placed upon their grave. This served as an expression of grief.
To grieve is not to be weak or unspiritual. It’s actually unhealthy if we don’t grieve. Just as the pressure cooker let’s off steam, grieving is releasing a build up of our emotions within.
Why doesn’t God just prevent our pain. Well, healing “can” take place as we grieve. The use of the word “can” instead of “does” is for a reason.
There’s a choice to be made in grief. There’s the choice to become bitter in grief and there’s the choice to draw close to the Lord. The result will either be a hardened heart or a tender one. We will be hurtful to others or helpful depending on how we respond.
Do we need to make a decision today? I don’t know about “good grief”, but there’s a good response to it! It’s good for us, good for others, and gives glory to God.
Kenneth Preston
