Finding Joy When Sorrow Touches Our Soul

Finding Joy When Sorrow Touches Our Soul.

Eileen Renders

There are never sadder times in our lives than when a close family member dies or when a child is suffering a serious illness. We sometimes may think, “Lord, take me instead.” Still, we realize that it is not our call; God gives life, and only God takes it away.

We, however, feel that deep sense of loss, and our spirit is weakened. How do we make sense of it all? We had many memories that well up within our souls, and it feels like torture, a punishment, although it is not.

It is normal for depression to follow. For some, when it does not subside, they may need counseling. The future may look bleak, and we might question, “Why must I carry on alone?” Life presents us with many crosses that each of us must bear. We need to understand the meaning of such an occurrence, especially at a time when we were enjoying our lives and seeing a comfortable future.

Crosses are tests of our faith, and they are reminders, too, that each of us must perish, to die to the world.

As I always say, “Life is terminal”. Knowing this, we can better carry our Cross when we reach out to God and ask for the strength, the endurance, and the trust. Trusting in God brings acceptance of the reality that we are only given one day at a time. In trusting in God’s promise, we have been told that paradise awaits those who place their love and trust in Him. We are told to die to the world and live in Him, who created us for a higher purpose. Our trust, love, and obedience to God aren’t a demand from God. We were also given free will. God desires us to choose Him over Earth, or Satan’s temptations, because it is how we will be judged, and how many graces and blessings He so much wants to give to us.

God will not bestow graces, blessings, nor will we be invited into paradise on our last day if we do not love Him and obey His Commandments. We can trust that our loved ones are praying for us, those who have already gone before us. It is ourselves that we truly grieve for, our loss of love and companionship from those who go before us. Remain close to God in every way, in every day, and we will truly find comfort through God’s blessing of inner peace and joy.