From the blog: somethingshappeninghere.wordpress.

com/2013/02/05/everything-in-its-rightful-timeand-place/

Everything in its Rightful Time and Place

Grief can hit us at any time, and when it does, it can be a powerful force, whether we are prepared for it or not. Grief can lead to anger, to despair, and into an inner place of loss, questioning, and disturbing doubt. Despite one's conviction, grief can put us at the crossroads of our faith; and we need the strength and love of others to draw us back to a place of security. Through God's great love, and through the certainty of the Lord's presence, we can be guided to a place of peace.

Scriptural Context: (you can click on the links here to read the full Scriptural texts)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 There is a time for everything: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. John chapter 14 Do not let your hearts be troubled. I am the way, the truth and the life. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Jeremiah 29:11-14 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Call on me; come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity."

Reflection:
There are so many circumstances surrounding personal loss that it would be impossible to package it into one finite definition or complete understanding. But if one were to try to find a common denominator to the human experience of loss, it would be in the grief that accompanies the experience of losing someone or something precious. Grief is a powerful emotion that can override sense and sensibility. For some, it feels like a momentary loss of control that the world just doesnt make sense anymore - and that can be frightening. To

hear others say, its all in Gods hands can seem trite, hurtful even, as we are left feeling undervalued in our present state of grieving, and the anger, denial, sense of betrayal and despair that can accompany it. But these words can eventually provide comfort, as we grow towards acceptance, leaving it all in Gods hands, and finding the peace that can come from that. As Jesus assures his disciples in John chapter 14, Do not let your hearts be troubled. I am the way, the truth and the life. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. When we lose something so precious to us, we realize the dear hold these human relationships (or sentimental possessions) have on us. We feel the loss profoundly, and discover instead new, raw emptiness. How much greater comfort, then, Jesus words give us; for His love is eternal. His is the promise of eternity. In our moments of grief, when we feel we cannot take anymore, he wants us to come to him and leave it all with him. He appeals to us: Call on me; come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Seek me; and when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me, and I will bring you back (paraphrased from Jeremiah 29). Especially in times of grief when it is easy to lose hope and succumb to despair, anger and doubt, how great is this assurance of finding the peace and love we need to heal. Blessing: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

The Message in Music:

Words I Would Say, by Sidewalk Prophets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI

It is Well, instrumental acoustic guitar solo by Josh Wilson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUFDGKDjiXI

To Everything There is a Season, performed by the Byrds (written by Pete Seeger) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUT4QpHcWGI