Hope in the Resurrection
Grief has a way of anchoring us in the past, forcing us to relive memories of what we’ve lost and drawing our focus to the empty spaces in our lives. For me, it’s the silence of my home, the loneliness of hours spent with just me and my two dogs, Penn and Riley. That silence is deafening, and Satan uses it as a trap. He whispers lies: “Look what God took away from you.” Those lies can be overwhelming, driving some to anger and others to despair, but there is hope in the resurrection!
But as believers, we must combat these lies with truth.
The Trap of Dwelling on the Past
It’s natural to feel sorrow when we reflect on what we’ve lost. I’ve felt the sting of grief deep in my soul, and there have been countless moments when I cried out, “Why, God?” Satan would love nothing more than for us to live in that space—dwelling on what we lost instead of focusing on what’s ahead.
Grief can cloud our vision, making it hard to see the hope God has given us. Revelation 21:4 reminds us that pain, tears, and death are temporary for those who trust in Christ. And John 14:1-3 brings that hope into sharper focus.
The Promise of John 14:1-3 – Hope in the Resurrection
Jesus, knowing the heartache His disciples would face, said:
John 14:1-3 (NLT) – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
This promise isn’t just words—it’s the very foundation of our hope. Jesus knew we would face grief, but He also knew what awaited us on the other side. He went ahead of us to prepare a place in His Father’s home. Wendy is there now, fully healed, fully whole, living in the joy of that promise. And one day, I will join her because of the hope of the resurrection.
The beauty of this promise is that it isn’t based on anything I’ve done. It’s entirely because of what Christ did on the cross. His death and resurrection paved the way for us to have eternal life.
Practical Tips for Moving Forward in Hope
- Hold on to Good Memories
- Keep a journal of special moments or stories about your loved one. Reflect on how God blessed you through their life.
- Share those memories with others—it can bring joy and healing to talk about the good times.
- Resist Dwelling on the Past
- Acknowledge the loss, but don’t stay stuck there. Ask God to help you focus on the future He has planned.
- Avoid isolating yourself. Reach out to friends, family, or your church community.
- Focus on the Future and God’s Promises
- Meditate on scriptures like John 14:1-3 and Revelation 21:4.
- Create a “Hope List” of things you look forward to in eternity, such as reuniting with loved ones, the absence of pain, and being in God’s presence.
- Lean Into God’s Strength
- Spend time in prayer, asking God to give you peace and direction as you navigate grief.
- Remember that God is with you every step of the way. He promises to carry your burdens when you surrender them to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
Hope Beyond the Grave, Hope in the Resurrection
The ultimate hope for believers is found in the resurrection. It’s the assurance that death does not have the final word. Wendy’s time on earth was precious, but her journey isn’t over. She’s experiencing the joy of heaven now, and I know that one day I will be reunited with her—not because of my works, but because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Grief is temporary, but the hope we have in the resurrection is eternal. That hope anchors us in the truth that this life is not the end. We press on, holding tightly to Jesus’ promise that He has prepared a place for us.
Links to Other Parts in This Series
- Part 1: Grief is a Natural Response – Jesus Wept
- Part 2: God is Close to the Brokenhearted – Feeling His Presence in the Darkness
- Part 3: Grief Can Lead to Deeper Dependence on God – Finding Strength in Surrender
- Part 4: God Comforts Us So We Can Comfort Others
- Part 5: Grief is Temporary for Believers – Holding on to Eternal Hope
- Part 6: Hope in the Resurrection
- Poems
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Let’s hold on to the hope that sustains us, the promise of eternity with Jesus, and the joy of reuniting with those we love.
