"You gotta move on. I know it's hard, but you gotta go on with your life."
So says a well-meaning relative or friend, but you wonder if that person has truly felt the kind of pain you're feeling.
Keep this in mind: Hearts that have been broken let other broken hearts heal at their own paces, for there is no set timeline for everyone. Just as no two humans have been made alike, neither are there two humans who have suffered completely alike. Circumstances are different, of course, but so are physical, mental, and emotional genes. Spiritual experiences vary too. Bottom line? No one can say, "I know exactly how you feel. I remember when..."
When someone tells you your departed loved one would want you to shake yourself and move on, don't let guilt deprive you of the necessary, painful, yet fruitful process called grief. A farmer patiently, lovingly cares for the crop. Similarly, allow yourself to be patient and loving toward yourself during your time of grieving.
Think of words from the following verses and songs:
"Casting all your care upon him, for her careth for you." (I Peter 5:7) God cares. He IS love.
"Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide 'til the day is done."
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and GRIEFS to bear! ~ Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
"No one ever cared for me like Jesus."
"When I am hurting, hold me tight. Brighten my darkness with your light. You are my all in all."
Jesus said, "Come unto me, and I will give you rest." He's waiting.
Take your time with the Heavenly Father. If you are His child by faith in Christ, you are one of His children. How perfectly does He care for you? If you don't have that personal Father-Child relationship with your Maker-Redeemer-Shepherd, you can, and you will find the care, comfort, strength, peace, and joy that only the Loving Creator can supply.
