Struggling with Grief and Trusting God Despite Inner Barriers

This truth addresses the profound struggle of hiding from others and oneself in the midst of grief, and the tendency to seek solitude as a means of coping. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good," which can be a difficult truth to grasp when overwhelmed by sorrow. The doctrine of providence reminds us that God is sovereign over all things, including our pain, and that He is working to bring about good, even when it is not immediately apparent. This truth matters because it reminds us that our grief is not outside of God's control, and that He is able to bring comfort and healing in the midst of it.

The Reformed tradition emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and expressing our emotions, including sorrow, in a way that is honest and raw before God. However, it is common to build barriers and pretend that our pain is not there, rather than bringing it before the Lord. This can be a form of self-protection, but it ultimately hinders true healing and intimacy with God.

The gospel connection to this truth is that Christ Himself experienced profound sorrow and grief, and yet He trusted in the goodness and sovereignty of God. As believers, we are called to do the same, bringing our grief and sorrow before the Lord, and trusting that He is able to take it and bring about good. This is not to say that the pain will immediately disappear, but rather that we can trust that God is working to bring about healing and redemption, even in the midst of it.