2nd October 2023
Closure
Irene Wilson was a regular writer for Word of Life until her death in July 2023. The many studies she wrote reflected her joyful Christian life and she was able to share her faith through many relatable, personal stories. The last study she wrote is published here – the first of a week of her studies, honouring her valuable contribution. It was written when she knew her time was limited and is typically filled with hope, faith and love. We hope you find encouragement reading this short selection.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Humanly speaking we like closure. Society requires it for you. Something packaged and done with – now you need to get on with your life. It is a term often used when someone is bereaved. I have heard it frequently used after a funeral – now we have closure and it’s time to move on.
It all sounds so neat: grief sorted, what is the next challenge going to be? Anyone who has lost loved ones knows that there is no closure; the door of mourning can remain ajar for a very long time. And it’s not just in bereavement that people seek closure; it can be any type of trial or trauma. There is an understandable haste to see an end to the situation, but it means many people are left grieving or trying to deal with difficult emotions, in the aftermath of a trauma, on their own.
Now for the good news! We have absolute closure promised to us. In Revelation 21:4 we are told that our amazing Saviour is coming to wipe away all tears. He alone has the solution to humanity’s continuing sorrow. There will be no emotional doors left open, no pauses for us to remember loss and pain. He will close those doors forever.
More good news! We can take our burdens, no matter how great or how small, and leave them with Him. He gives us peace through His divine and perfect love. He gives us openness, full disclosure, He metaphorically stands at the door of lightness and understanding: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20).
This overcoming only happens when we open the door to Christ’s knocking. Instead of grief and burdens that bear down on us, He has promised to take them, and deal with them. As Christians we seek closure for the world’s suffering, but we also seek the light and love that awaits behind the door – let us answer it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we are so encouraged and full of hope that you will put an end to all the suffering of this present world. Grant that we might have the faith, and honesty, to bring before you all our burdens and cares. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Irene Wilson
This study first appeared in Word of Life on 22 October 2022
About the writer:
Irene Wilson was a deaconess in the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International, and served on the Pastoral Council.
Local congregation:
Watford
Knutsford Primary Academy,
Balmoral Road,
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7ER
Meeting Time:
Sunday 11.00 am.
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church