The empty chair
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2020 has been a hard year.
We are still in the midst of a pandemic that has already taken the lives of over 250,000 Americans and many more world-wide. Many in our country have lost jobs, are facing hunger and homelessness, and are experiencing stark fear of an unknown future. Small businesses and restaurants are closing at an alarming rate. Millions of children, young adults, and teachers are struggling through a school year like no other.
Sometimes it is hard to be thankful.
The holiday season is upon us. Like many households, my family will have an empty chair this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Someone asked me last week, “When does it get easier?”
I couldn’t immediately give a hopeful response. Grief has many stages. Often the darkness is all encompassing and it seems as if we will never be able to crawl out of the valley and find light again. The burden of sorrow weighs heavily on our physical, mental, and emotional health, pulling us down toward total despair.
Our Lord helps carry the load for us.
And, for the future, we have the assurance of the empty tomb.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:1-6a
He is risen!
We will not be separated from our dearest ones forever. There is sorrow here on Earth for those whose loved ones have gone ahead of us to be with Jesus. But, there is great rejoicing in Heaven!
Paul reminds us not to grieve for our loved ones. As believers, we have the promise of being reunited with them, just as we have the assurance of being with Jesus for eternity.
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13
For those of us who have lost spouses, family members, and dear friends to the reality of death, we grieve. The pain seems never ending. Even as we believe that we will be reunited with them someday, sorrow overwhelms us as we face the drastic changes in our lives resulting from their death. Yet, Jesus is waiting for us. Death could not keep Him in the tomb. Knowing that separation from our loved ones is temporary grants us hope.
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lod, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the cloud to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
We will be with the Lord forever.
I hope you will join me in prayer.
Father, so many have lost loved ones this year. We pray for peace and comfort for those in sorrow. Help us to remember your promise–that you are with us always. We have the assurance of our Savior who told His disciples, and us, in John 14: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” We know the way, Father, because you have given us the greatest gift of love, your Son, our Savior. Thank you for the promise of forever with you, Father, and with our loved ones. In the blessed name of Jesus, Amen.
Amidst so much sorrow in our world, the Lord gives us hope. Hope that far outweighs any tragedy. As you pointed out, we will not be separated forever. What we go through here on earth seems so long and hard while we are going through it, but time here is like a vapor. We can be thankful for our redemption that gives us eternity without sorrow.
Your response is so comforting, Barbara. Thank you for your message of hope. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving.
Empty chairs. Be they from a death, a separation, loved ones moving into their own lives, or from this insufferable pandemic gripping the world, they are painful. Like each reason, the depth of pain varies with each person. Then you for reminding us that while we left behind must grieve, it is for just a brief moment in the fabric of eternity. As you point out, precious friend, for those now empty chairs of those who share in our Christian salvation, we have an eternity of togetherness to look forward to; at the throne of our King. God’s blessings gentle lady; and know you remain in my family’s prayers this holiday season, and throughout this “season of firsts.”
The days and nights without loved ones seem long and lonely, but you remind me, dear friend, that in the infinite scope of God’s creation, this loneliness is just a brief moment. Thankful for the hope and assurance of eternity with Jesus and a reunion with my loved ones.
Thanks so much for encouraging so many who have lost loved ones this year. God is greater and we can be thankful for the truth that this world is not our home. The Lord comforts those who mourn and gives us hope in the dark.
Thank you, Joanna, for reminding us that darkness cannot overcome the Light of Jesus. Our dark times of grief and sadness will disappear when we join Him and the reunion will be joyous. And, while we are here waiting for eternity, if we turn to Him during the darkness, he grants peace, comfort, and Light. Thank you for your hopeful message, my friend.
This is such a hope-filled post and so compassionate toward those who are hurting. Thank you for being so transparent with your own story and using it to build others up in Christ. May the Lord encourage you with His strength and love this Thanksgiving.
Joshua, thank you for your encouragement. I’m blessed by your kindness. God is providing strength and love to me–that’s the only way I’m able to get through this–He lightens the burden and gives me hope for the future. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.
Katherine,
Your post reminds me of the holiday season that I lost 2 beloved family members: one in September and the other one in October. It forever changed long held family traditions.
I finally found peace and acceptance when God reminded me the earthly family he gives us is temporary, but our heavenly family endures forever.
Thinking of you and your empty chair this season.
Peace and love,
Candyce
I’m so thankful for your thoughts and prayers, Candyce. Thanksgiving was very different this year, not only our missing loved one, but the pandemic limited our family gathering. But as you remind me, my separation from my loved one is just temporary and the pandemic won’t last forever. Praying for healing for those that are sick physically and hurting emotionally. Our Lord has us under His sheltering wings.
Katherine, you offer the hope of the risen Christ to all of us who have empty chairs at Thanksgiving. How inspiring to see the empty tomb at Thanksgiving, in this season when we need to see it, maybe more than ever. Blessing to you, sweet friend. Thank you for sharing hope in a beautiful way. I’m praying for you.
Thank you for your prayers, my friend. I am grateful. Wishing you good health and blessings throughout this season of love.
Thank you, Katherine, for a beautiful post that reminds us of God’s love for us, even when we’re missing loved ones. This must be a very hard time for you, and I have been praying for you!
Thank you, Kathy. I’m so grateful for your encouragement, your thoughts, and, most especially, your prayers. All are much needed and appreciated. I’ve been thinking of you, too. Hope everyone in your family is well. Blessings!
Thank you for writing about this. So many have gone through loss this year. Thank you for finishing with this beautiful prayer and reminding us of the reality of eternity. Memory is precious, and hope of being together again will be a reality one day. Continuing to pray for you, my friend. Love you.
Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers, Katy. The love and support your family has extended to me during this season of sorrow and adjustment has been a healing balm for my soul. Love you!