Over the past nine months, I’ve learned grief can come in gentle waves, lapping at my toes and tricking me into thinking, “I can do this. This isn’t so bad.” Other times, the waves hit me so hard that they knocked me down, threatening to drown me. Sometimes, I even wished they would.

I carried this thought, the image of waves overpowering and crashing over me after my mom passed away from cancer. The waves were dark, shards of ice cutting me.

At times, the pain became unbearable. I couldn’t stop crying.

So, I kept busy. Hurried. I’d outrun the waves, put my back to them. Try to ignore them. Push forward. One step, one breath at a time.

But when I stopped for a moment or a reminder- a particular date, a regret, a memory – washed up on the shore at my feet, the icy waves struck me again.

Then, one night while lying in bed, I saw those raging waters coming for me, and suddenly I remembered…

Jesus brought peace and stilled the waters when His disciples thought they would drown during a storm. I know He can do the same for the waves of grief crashing in my heart.

So, I called out to Jesus from the depths of my soul. I reached out for Him, and He was there, already reaching out to take hold of me.

Now, I look over a sea of glass, calm and still, as I kneel here, clinging to the hem of my Savior’s robe. He takes my hand and helps me to stand. So deeply thankful I know Him. So grateful He cares for me.

The waves will return, but I’m not letting go of my Jesus. I am His, and He is mine.

And YOU are His, precious soul.

If you’re walking along the shore as waves of grief threaten to destroy you, remember Jesus can still those waters and bring you peace, too.

The waves will not overcome you. Cling to His hand as He reaches into the water, droplets trickling down both your hands as they emerge from the dark waters and into the light.

Jesus will lift you up and save you from this pain. He will walk with you and help you to enjoy the memories and reminders washing up on the shore. He’ll help you to collect those treasured memories like seashells. He’ll teach you how to celebrate and cherish each one. He will help you with the regrets washing up, too.

And because of His death on the cross, our grief is merely temporary. One day, you and I will be reunited with those we had to let go of here. We’ll be together again to walk on the street of gold with our Savior, the One who stills our hearts and wipes our tears.

What a glorious day that will be. 

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” 

Mark 4:37-39 NIV.

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