In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we delve into the profound and often challenging topic of mourning. I, Randy Spacht, one of the pastors at New Hope, share how our sermon series on mourning has become particularly timely in light of recent events within our church community, including the passing of our friend John Kellams and the loss experienced by several members of our congregation.

We begin by exploring the biblical foundation of grief, highlighting that the Old Testament, particularly the book of Psalms, contains a significant number of psalms of lament—62 out of 150, to be exact. I read Psalm 13, which exemplifies the structure of a lament: a complaint, a plea, a confession of trust, and a concluding praise. This psalm reflects the deep anguish and sorrow that can accompany mourning, a sentiment that resonates with many of us.

Throughout the episode, I discuss various reasons for mourning, drawing parallels between David's experiences and our own. David mourned when faced with enemies, injustice, a sense of abandonment by God, his own sinfulness, and the loss of loved ones. I emphasize that while we may not face the same enemies as David, we can relate to feelings of being attacked, experiencing injustice, or feeling distant from God.

I also touch on the personal nature of mourning, discussing how it can stem from various life circumstances, including the loss of relationships, the challenges of parenting, and the grief that comes with fostering children. Each of these experiences can lead to a sense of loss and mourning, even when they involve positive changes.

As we navigate through these themes, I pose critical questions for reflection: Where are you mourning today? Has your mourning caused you to doubt God? How can you learn to trust amidst your grief? I encourage listeners to reach out for support, whether through pastoral staff or small community groups, emphasizing that mourning is a natural and valid response to life's challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this discussion meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you seek to embody the love of Jesus in every aspect of your life.