“…weeping may endure through the night, but JOY comes in the morning.”
Psalms 30:5
The last few weeks have been a hard time for my family. The passing of my Granny Faye was unexpected and a very hard time. I mean, losing any person, even when expected is hard. But the Lord was present in every single step.
He was present when we first got the call of her going to the ER. He was present when she was medflighted to Erlanger. He was present when the ER team at Erlanger was working their hardest to keep her alive. He was present as she was transferred to ICU. He was present when the ICU team did everything they could to restart her heart. He was present, even in her death.
And while some would say, “Autum, how can you say that? That the Lord was with you, your grandmother, and family and present while all of that bad stuff was happening?”
Simple.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalms 34:18
It was actually while I was in the waiting room at Erlanger, that I felt the Lord closest. That was the time when I was completely unsure of her condition and how severe it had turned. He was present. He was giving me peace and confidence in Him the time.
Even in the days following her passing, even while at the funeral home, the Lord began restoring joy. Yes, the days were hard and yes, I cried all of the tears I had. It was in those vunerable moments that the Lord was revealing himself as Abba Father to me. There to comfort me and give me peace, catching every single tear.
It was in those moments he began giving me joy through pain. Joy in the memories that I have of my granny. Joy in spending purposeful time with my family. Joy in being able to proclaim the goodness and faithfulness of Christ during the hard time.
I’m thankful for the life of my granny. I’m thankful for the time I had with her, but I’m more thankful that she knew Christ, it gives me joy and peace to know that one day soon, we will be reunited.
I’m thankful that the Lord is giving me joy through pain.
