Good grief

July 31, 2006

By Croft M. Pentz

Most of us have read Charlie Brown’s exasperated “Good grief!” in the comic strip Peanuts. It seems strange, but there is good grief, if approached with God’s help. Allow God to give good through your time of grief.

Job saw good in grief. Losing his health, children and wealth, he could still proclaim his trust in God no matter what happened (Job 13:15). His faith was strengthened during his grief.

During his grief, Job’s faith caused him to say, “When [God] hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). He could say with confidence, “For I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). Job’s grief helped to stabilize his faith.

During grief, your faith becomes more personal. As you commit your grief to God, He will help it produce faith and assurance. You will recognize you’re in God’s hands, and He’s controlling everything in your life. Permit God to turn your grief into what’s good for you.

Croft M. Pentz writes “Healing for the Hurting” for The Record Herald of Waynesboro, Pa.