March 23

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” — Acts 1:11 BSB

Pensive gazing is never the best occupation.

When our friends leave us, we are not forbidden to grieve—it’s natural for bereaved hearts to feel sorrow—but we are told not to mourn in a way that breaks up our life of duty and service. I know a mother who lost a beloved daughter many years ago, and since then she has done almost nothing but visit the cemetery and mourn. She dropped all her church work, neglected her home duties, and gave little attention to her family. She spends her time gazing into heaven, continually weeping for her child.

This is not the way our Lord wants us to grieve. He wants us to return to our duties, thoughtful, reverent, and serious, but also faithful and diligent—bearing witness to His glory through our faith and hope. The best way to express our grief is through more beautiful living, more earnest service, and sweeter praise.