There is Hope: Today

Description

Today another young life was lost
Taken by surprise no reason why
Nothing to say can ease the pain
How can words explain the sorrow that remains

But He will wipe every tear from their eyes
There shall be no more death and no more mourning
There’ll be no more crying no more pain
And all suffering will pass away

Today another young life is lost
Shadows in the dark hiding from the shame
Tears will fall on the hardened hearts
While the hurts and the scars were tearing them apart

But he will wipe away every stain from their eyes
And will bottle up their tears and heal their sorrows
No one will snatch them from His arms
And all suffering
And all suffering will pass away.

When a Child is Lost:
In November 1988, I faced a heartbreak that no parent should ever know. My eldest son, only five months old, passed away. The grief that followed was immediate, overwhelming, and life-altering. Even decades later, the pain remains, returning unexpectedly in a rush of tears or a sudden memory. Time moves forward, yet some losses leave a permanent mark on the heart. Each tear, each memory, is a reminder of the love that remains even when the child is gone.

Tragically, my experience is not unique. Across the world, parents and families experience the devastating loss of a child in ways that are often hidden or silenced.

Suicide claims the lives of many young people, young men and young women alike, leaving behind a grief compounded by guilt, unanswered questions, and feelings of helplessness. Lives can be stolen by mental illness, depression, isolation, addiction, or the weight of societal expectations that crush rather than uplift.

Other children and young people are taken too soon in unexpected accidents or illnesses. Some endure unspeakable abuse or trafficking, their lives marked by trauma that often goes unnoticed until the loss comes.

The grief in these situations is layered—pain compounded by shame, confusion, anger, and a sense of helplessness. Yet our society often responds with silence rather than compassion, leaving grieving families isolated in their suffering.

Where is the hope
In the midst of such sorrow, it is natural to ask: Where is hope? What comfort can be offered?

Scripture speaks into this grief with a clarity that transcends human understanding. In Revelation, we are reminded of God’s promise:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, and no more pain. All suffering will pass away.” (Revelation 21:4)

This is not empty wishful thinking—it is the heart of Christ Himself. When Lazarus died, Jesus wept. He knows our grief intimately. He understands the depth of a parent’s sorrow, the ache of a sibling’s heart, and the unanswered questions that linger for a lifetime.

In every loss, He stands with us, carrying our tears and offering a hope that endures beyond the darkness.

Even when the world seems silent or indifferent, we can cling to the promise that God holds every lost child in His care. One day, every tear will be wiped away, every wound healed, and every sorrow replaced with joy. In the meantime, He walks with us in our grief, giving strength for each day, comfort for each moment, and hope that death does not have the final word.

Prayer
We bring before You all those who have lost a child—through illness, accident, suicide, abuse, trafficking, or any sudden or tragic circumstance. Lord, You see the depths of their grief, the tears that fall in quiet moments, and the heaviness in their hearts. Pour out Your comfort upon them. Remind them that You weep with them, that You hold their children in Your eternal care, and that Your love never fails. Grant them strength for each day, peace that surpasses understanding, and the assurance that one day, all suffering will end, and joy will be made complete. Hold their hearts close, Lord, and bring healing where there is brokenness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.