How to Keep an Eternal Perspective in Grief  - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - January 12, 2026

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NASB).

The American revivalist Jonathan Edwards once prayed, “Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!” What a reminder to us all when our hearts become heavy from the cares of this life! We must keep our gaze upon eternal matters no matter what comes our way, especially when we are suffering or experiencing great grief and pain. As Christians, we are not ones who grieve without hope because our hope is set in eternity. I can say that because I believe what the Bible says about this amazing hope, as well as because of my own painful losses and tragedies that I have experienced throughout my life.

We can always believe for a miracle (yes absolutely!) or for the Lord to drastically change the situation, but at what point do we choose to trust completely in God's sovereignty in the outcome? What happens to our faith if we do not see the miracle in this life? Are our eyes fixated on the temporal more than blessed eternity with God forevermore?

Because of the cross, we do not have to taste death because our spirit lives on and we live forever in eternity. It is the cross that accomplished the forgiveness of sin and made a way for us to have peace with the Father, which is the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Believing this gospel sets our hope towards the life that is to come. This place is not our home.

Another honest question is, why so much focus on this life? Why is it better here on earth? A "legacy" to live? When we die in Christ, we live forever. Yes, there is pain. Yes, there is great sorrow and many questions as to why now, Lord? My husband and I have lost loved ones what felt like way too soon. My father was brutally murdered when he was barely 50 and my brother-in-law died in a tragic drowning accident at 25. We have experienced the deep pain and sorrow of two miscarriages. And most recently, my mother-in-law is currently in her final days with her battle with vascular dementia at just the age of 67.

We have had a lot of whys just because we are human, and humans have a very difficult time processing death. But the Bible is very clear about the glorious hope we have that awaits us as believers in Christ and the truth of God's Word is what gave us great peace in the midst of our pain. Our faith is forever set on our sovereign Lord, knowing the cross has the final word in the end.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us with this: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NASB)

Death doesn't have the victory because in Christ, we are given eternity with Him! Death doesn't lose its sting on our human hearts, but our spirits should be so full of joy at the thought of being in the presence of Jesus where there is no more suffering. What great gain! Do you need help fixing your gaze on eternity? 

Is your heart heavy from all the confusion, darkness, and tragedy that seems to surround us every single day and only seems to be growing worse as time goes on? We can ask the Lord to help us to remind our hearts that this place is not our home, but heaven is where we belong. Let us remember not to take any day for granted; each day is truly a gift. God has a plan for you to fulfill on this earth, and that is to tell everyone that comes across your path about the glorious gospel and Christ’s amazing love. When your eyes tend to become too fixated on the temporal, God can help you shift your focus onto what lasts, eternal matters of one’s soul. Spiritual health supersedes our physical needs, and we must trust that God will use trials and loss to remind us of where we find true hope- in Christ alone. Lord, if our eyes have wandered onto the temporal, give us eyes to see eternity once again!

Photo credit: © Getty Images - kieferpix

Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a homeschooling momma of four boys, while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.

Related Resource: A Fresh Start: Trusting God's Redemption Over Your Past

Welcome to a brand-new year! If you’re like many, today might bring a mix of emotions. Excitement for a fresh start, anxiety over the unknown, or maybe even a lingering weight from the past. So many of us enter the new year feeling burdened by past mistakes, failures, or regrets. The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us stuck in shame, replaying the moments we wish we could erase. But here’s the truth: Our God is a God of redemption, of new beginnings, of fresh mercies every morning, including this very one.

Today, we talk about trusting God's redemption over your past. We’ll explore what it means to step forward in faith instead of shame, to trust in God’s plans instead of our past, and to fully embrace the fresh start He offers us through His love and grace. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Your Hope-Filled Perspective on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!