The loss of a family member, close friend or loved one is a heartbreaking experience that leaves those behind hurting and in unbearable grief. The thought of having to say goodbye is excruciatingly painful and almost impossible, especially when tragedy strikes and the people you always thought could be there through all the twists and turns of life are suddenly gone without warning.

A few short days ago a family of four that was held dear to mine and endless other hearts were unexpectedly taken from us due to a house fire. It is still difficult to comprehend and the hearts of anyone who knew this family are burdened beyond belief. It was a shock that no one expected and a loss that will be grieved for a long while. When the news sunk in, I immediately felt the need to question God, asking Him why he would take such a beautiful, good and loving family away from us. It is hard to understand why He would allow such a terrible end come to adults who lovingly mentored me and my peers throughout our young lives, and restrict two young girls from growing up into the wise and joyful women that they would become one day. I doubt that I will ever understand why tragedy strikes those who we believe deserve it the least, but despite this catastrophic situation, loss, and mourning I will look up and chose to search for hope.

I find hope in the fact that God provides peace and comfort in the midst of sorrow and the struggles we experience on this earth. There are endless circumstances in this world that appear unjust when funneled through our vision. If we spend all of our time questioning the events that occur in our lives, we will become restless. Instead, in a world of constant change, we must focus on trusting in the one who never changes.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1

We are not alone during the grieving process.

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Our tears do not go unnoticed.

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8

Our grief is not ignored.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18

God carries our burdens when we can't bear them anymore. He meets us in our sadness and lifts us up when we need it the most.

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

It is important to understand that there is a difference between grieving and dwelling in misery. Grieving is absolutely okay. It's a natural reaction to loss and emotional damage. Grieving is a part of the healing process. The Lord shows compassion to us during periods of grief.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

I am overwhelmed with hope when I can confidently say that I will see those that I lost again one day. The family we recently lost had a close relationship with God and their love for Him was evident in their everyday lives. I know without a doubt that I will meet them again when my time on this earth is over, due to the salvation given through faith in Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

I could not travel through this life with any type of hope or joy if I did not have an understanding that this broken world is just a temporary "pit stop" on the way to eternity. The grieving process is not as severe when I think about the fact that many of those that have been lost are in Heaven, free from the pain, suffering and hurt that we endure in this life.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

I will never stop missing the people I have lost throughout my life, and frankly, there will always be a sadness in my heart, a longing that they were still here with me. But because of God's never ending and evident love, I can discover hope in even the most dire situations. I pray that you can experience this hope and peace in your life, also.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; he who keeps you will not slumber." Psalm 121:1-3

No matter who you've lost, what you're going through, or what trials you face in the future, please never lose hope. Just look up.