Last time, we saw that having fallen in the Garden, mankind has tried to make up for the loss of the sense of purpose and meaning that he gained from the special relationship that he had with God by forming ties with other men and women. But good though those are meant to be, even the closest bonds that we can form with other human beings cannot fully restore meaning to our lives where God remains absent. We reflected that this makes the death of one on whom we depend for purpose especially painful for those of us who reject God. This hurt is exacerbated for those who have no hope of heaven and for whom therefore the passing of loved ones is accompanied by a profound hopelessness.
This will be a much briefer meditation than the previous one. We simply want to observe that there are circumstances in this world where, even if their body is still alive, we can in fact lose loved ones in a very real sense. Degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as mental illness or treatments administered to control medical conditions can bring about fundamental changes in the personae of the individuals concerned. In all these situations, the person that we used to know may no longer be present to us - they may be "lost" - and then the relationship we used to enjoy with them is no longer possible.
Though we may not recognize it as such, it is entirely possible in such circumstances to go through a period of grieving over the loss of the loved one, even though they are still bodily present on earth.
Having established this possibility, we can now re-read the previous meditation, understanding the loss of the loved one as including these situations, in addition to their death. It is still more painful to the one who leaned on the relationship for all their purpose and meaning in the world than it will be for the believer who has God in their lives as the primary focus of their existence. The hope of the gospel will still give the believer a comfort (where the condition afflicts one who clearly knew Christ) that the unbeliever will not know. This hope includes the fact that the sick believer will be restored, and will rise to eternal life in Christ. They will be given a new, whole body and mind at the resurrection.
In heaven, we will clearly see what we often have to cling to in this world by faith; that all the trials and afflictions we experience directly or indirectly in this life are not intended for our harm but to enable us to display the power and the glory of God while on earth, and to fit us more fully for our heavenly dwelling. They are sent into our lives not out of caprice or malice, but in infinite love and with infinite wisdom that means they most certainly will accomplish their good purpose in us, through us and for us.
What are you looking to to fill that ache and that emptiness in your soul, reader? Now that you know why it isn't working and that it never can, why not turn from all those things (which are nothing more nor less than false gods) and ask the One True God to come into your life, to forgive you for shutting Him out and for all the other ways you have offended Him, and to be your everything - your meaning, your purpose, your eternal life? Because of what Jesus did on the cross, there is a guaranteed welcome from God for all who will forsake their sin and trust Him alone to save them!
