Peace Amid Grief

June 21, 2024 — Lisa Thacker

I’ve discovered that finding Jesus’ peace in the midst of child loss doesn’t require the ache in my heart to disappear first. Nor do I have to finally “let go of my son” (as some people describe it) in order to arrive at a peaceful place in this world without him. That’s not what a "peace that surpasses all understanding" entails.

Peace doesn’t have a final destination. It’s constantly ebbing and flowing, always changing. It arises quietly and slowly over time, as all of God’s attributes converge in my heart and mind to steady me, IN SPITE of the pain, doubt, and confusion.

His peace carries me so I can…
    Press on
    Even
    Amidst
    Catastrophic
    Events.

This divine peace transcends all understanding, because nothing in my brain can fathom my ability to still get up every day and continue living with the dark reality of being separated from my son for the rest of my life. Jesus’ steadying hand (peace) is the only explanation.

Peace doesn’t cure my grief and trauma. It mingles amongst them, working to stabilize every corner of my soul, one nook and cranny at a time.

Jesus’ peace is His presence alongside me in my heartache.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3