Knocked Down, But Not Knocked Out

I’ve often said that walking through the grief journey is like the ocean; it comes in waves. While that is still true, I’ve often felt more like a boxer in the middle of the ring, fighting for my life. Knocked down, but not knocked out!

As I continue to move onward there are still moments that take me by surprise. Life seems to be moving along in a forward fashion when out of nowhere there could be a trigger: a song, a smell, a memory, a date on the calendar. It’s an unexpected blow, like a sucker punch to the gut and once again, I’ve been knocked down off my feet.  

I’m reminded that I’m fighting a giant. One I may not be able to see with my eyes, but certainly one I feel deep within my soul. Who is this Contender? His name is Grief.

When we find ourselves back in the ring, our senses become heightened and we’re left standing there waiting for the next blow. But take heart my friends, there is hope during loss.

One day we wake up feeling stronger, ready to fight for our lives. Just like when Rocky Balboa took the stairs and claimed his victory, we can look toward The One who can help us in our fight.

 

We can’t fight this battle on our own accord and the best part is, we don’t have to! We are not in this fight alone. So, what do we do?

We look at the Contender in front of us and realize he is nothing compared to the giant inside of us! We might be knocked down, but we are not knocked out!  

How is that possible? The giant inside of you is the Holy Spirit. It’s by his might and the power of God’s word that he will carry you through.

We are powerless by ourselves, but we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.

Alone, I’m simply a mom missing her daughter.

Alone, I’m simply another person who’s loved one ran ahead to heaven. 

Alone, I’m simply another person who has a broken heart and a crushed spirit.

But with God by my side, I’m a person who places her faith and trust in God to do as he has promised he will do.

He will fight my battles for me (Exodus 14:14), and he will carry me through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4)

He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

He is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)

He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

My flesh and my heart may fail but God is my strength and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Each one of these scriptures is a promise for you and me. Whatever you’re in the middle of battling grab hold of these promises and speak them out loud. Remind the Contender just whose you are – a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Together, we can make it through this grief journey holding tight to our faith. We might be knocked down, but we will never be knocked out.