“A Double Loss”

Monday, September 21, 2020

     My twenty-eight-year-old daughter was murdered over six years ago, and my only daughter left was thirty-two when she committed suicide five months ago.  I was saved and water baptized in 1982; over the years, I haven’t lived the spiritual life I should have.  I have prayed and repented, and it seems like God has forsaken me.  I don’t know what to do.  How do I get back to God and let go of the past?  I would appreciate if you could help me.

Sincerely,
Grieving

Dear Grieving,

We cannot imagine the pain that you are in and the trials that you have seen.  The loss of a child is a devastation that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.  In this world of sin, unmentionable things happen.  Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, death, pain, and suffering have become a regular part of our world (Gen 2:17, Rom 5:12).
So what can we do?  God doesn’t desire to forsake us… in fact, He says that if we trust in Him, we will always have Him with us.  A life with God in it isn’t free from trials, but you have hope that heaven awaits.  You mentioned that you haven’t lived the life you know you should have.  Jas 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  God is ready to forgive you and bring you comfort through your deep sorrow, but you have to reach out to Him.  A large part of that is by going to services and attaching yourself to a faithful church (Heb 10:24-25).  We would love to help you get in touch with a faithful congregation near you that could support you and help you draw near to God again.

Share