INTRODUCTION

In Bible times, the mourning process often included a time of lamentation. Though lamentations may have varied, it can be understood from scripture that it was often a time of speaking about the deceased. In 2 Samuel 1:17-27 [17] And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: [18] (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) [19] The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! [20] Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. [21] Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. [22] From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. [23] Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. [24] Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. [25] How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. [26] I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. [27] How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
See All..., David lamented the passing of Saul and Jonathan. He spoke of their efforts in battle (2 Samuel 1:25How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
See All...), their usefulness to Israel (2 Samuel 1:24Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
See All...), and their beauty (2 Samuel 1:23Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
See All...). Apparently, part of the healing process includes speaking of those who have departed. Perhaps it would lead to rejoicing in the good memories and crying at the mention of sad times. Regardless, it is clear that talking about the deceased helps.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Josiah was the last king of Judah who truly wanted to follow God. He rid the land of idolatry, cleansed and repaired God's house, read the book of the law to the people, and wept over sins. When Josiah died in battle, Jeremiah the prophet and the people lamented over him (2 Chronicles 35:24-25 [24] His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. [25] And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.
  See All...).
• How could it be helpful to talk about loved ones who have departed? How could it be harmful to refuse to speak of those who have gone on before us?
• How do you handle the passing of loved ones? Do you try to get through the hurt without speaking of those who have died? Have you found this to be helpful?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you properly deal with the loss of loved ones.
• Ask God to help you minister to others as they deal with death.

HYMN

Be Still, My Soul

LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK

Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.