Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV)
Yesterday we celebrated my dad’s graduation to heaven. Today we turn toward the rest of life.
But I remember things from the last few days that give me peace and hope, even in the midst of loss.
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul),
It is well, it is well, with my soul.*
Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life]. (1 Thessalonians 4:13 AMP)
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. (Philippians 1:23 NIV)
God,
Today I am grateful that my dad is in a place that is so much “better by far.” I am grateful that we who are left grieve, but we don’t grieve without hope. It is well with our souls, so we bless your name, grateful for your Presence, your Peace, and your Faithfulness to us. Help us as we ride the waves of grief, but remind us to rejoice in the wonder of this world and our memories, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
* “It Is Well with My Soul”(Horatio Spafford, 1873)