Grief and God

There are so many things in life that cause grief and pain.

When we lose someone we love and cherish, there is a void and loss that cannot be replaced. When we face divorce or separation from the one whom we have chosen to spend the rest of our lives sharing the good times and the bad times, we feel a loss and rejection that creates a void. When we lose a job due to circumstances beyond our control, it creates disappointment that is hard to deal with in life.

In all these circumstances we have a tendency to turn inward and often that creates doubt and insecurity in our ability to cope with life circumstances. If you or someone you know is faced with grief or pain, it is often difficult to find the consolation needed to experience God’s rest and peace, whether struggling with prolonged illness, loss, divorce, or doubt.

Disappointment is a part of life and no one is immune to its effects.

So when life brings disappointment, the best comfort you will find will be in the loving arms of your heavenly Father. He provides reassurance and understanding that no other source can. The good news is, He promises to save you, revive you, and perfect that which concerns you (Psalm 138:8). It is important to acknowledge and grieve disappointments when they come, but it is also important to move forward by finding God’s promises and hope and joy that transcends this world and its heartaches. He is always ready to console and encourage you. I am reminded what King David said in Psalm 40:1-2,

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

What great comfort and joy comes to us when we understand that God is rich in grace and mercy, He not only forgives, but restores and redeems! The Lord lifts us up from our personal pits of despair and puts us in right standing with Him. When times of grief and trouble arrive — even trouble we bring upon ourselves — we must turn to God and wait patiently for His help.

He will never fail us.

The Lord has promised to “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Take to heart these truths about the God who loves you with an everlasting love.

When trouble knocks on your door, run to the Word of God for strength, comfort, and wisdom. His promises will never fail you, and He will give you strength to endure the crisis you face. The Word of God gives comfort in your suffering.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. — Psalm 34:17-19

The Lord wants to bless you with grace, mercy, truth, and love. Open your heart and receive all that He has promised to you today.

~ Original blog Jack Countryman exclusive to FaithGateway

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Your Turn

Are you in a time of grief? Maybe you’re bereaved — someone you love has died and your heart is broken. Maybe you’ve been rejected, or fired, or suffered a terrible loss, or your financial stability has crumbled right before your eyes. Whatever is it that is causing you pain and suffering — deep grief — the Lord wants to bless you with His grace, mercy, truth, and love. Come join the conversation on our blog. We want to hear from you about grief and what good things God can bring out of terrible circumstances. ~ Devotionals Daily