Unpacking Platitudes – Part 3

Unpacking Platitudes – Part 3

I’m probably stretching the definition of platitude on this post, but it’s a subject that I feel strongly about and want to share what I hope is God’s wisdom on this topic.

So, it’s not exactly a platitude, but it is often the type of statement that is either said to bring someone comfort – or is often said BY the griever, looking for comfort.

I know I may be stepping on some toes here, so please bear with me as we work through this together.   But as I always hope to do, I want to replace what I’m “taking away from you” with something much better!  So, please keep reading!

I’m talking about when someone sees a sign of sorts – maybe a cardinal, maybe a dragonfly, or perhaps some other sign that is very specific to their situation – and immediately gives credit to their loved one in heaven for this “sighting.”  And of course, accompanying this sighting, is the comfort that comes from believing your loved one has orchestrated this on your behalf.

I completely understand why we want to believe in these signs.  I LONG for some kind of connection to Dale during this difficult season.  And for the record, I don’t really talk to him; I don’t feel his presence here with me; I don’t believe he is sitting up in heaven, eating a bowl of popcorn, and watching me like I’m in a movie.

What I DO believe is that our loved ones in heaven have SOME sense of what’s happening here on earth.  In Revelation 6:10, we read this about the martyrs in heaven,

They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 

They have a sense of time, and a sense of what’s going on down on earth.

And as a wise Christian friend once told me, “You have God’s Spirit living within you, and Dale is in heaven WITH God, so that is your connection.”  I love that simple but amazing truth!

But back to the discussion at hand.  At the heart of this idea that our loved ones can orchestrate “coincidences” or “minor miracles” here on earth, is the assumption that they now, in heaven, have some or all of the same attributes of God.  The very characteristics that make God who He is.

Front and center in this is God’s omnipotence.  Definition of omnipotent per dictionary.com: almighty or infinite in power, as God.  See?  Even the dictionary acknowledges that it is GOD who is all-powerful.

Here are some additional scripture texts that look at the unique and powerful nature of God.

LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.  Jeremiah 10:6, NLT

Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.  Exodus 8:10b, ESV

For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD? What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD? The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne.  Psalm 89:6-7, NLT

There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.  1 Samuel 2:2, NIV

I don’t know about you, but just reading those scriptures (and many others that I didn’t include) makes me SO grateful to worship a God who is all-powerful AND a God of love.

So, here is the good news I promised you earlier.

Rather than feeling sad or disappointed that those special signs may not, in fact, come directly from your loved one’s hand, here’s what I’d like you to ponder.

First of all, read those texts again about what an incredible God we serve.  Now, think about this.  That same God who created this vast universe, who holds it all together by His will, who loves us so much that He sent his Son Jesus to DIE for us – yes THAT God – cares enough about YOU to send those gifts for the healing of your heart.

Oh sure, sometimes we do read too much into these signs, but if any sign is miraculous, be assured that God is behind it.

Of course, we expect our loved one to care enough about us to do this, but this great God??  How infinitely more amazing is it that HE loves us that much?

So, in closing, know that God did make us in His image, and we ARE free from all the hindrances we have down here on earth once we reach heaven.  But it’s as simple as this:  God is God, and we are not.  Give credit where it is due.  And be amazed when He speaks to you through the “every day.”