Lamentations 3:1-16

Pain. Sorrow. Anxiety. Anger. Relief. Numbness. Fear. Joy. The emotions that we feel when going through the grieving process are numerous. In this five-day devotional journey, we'll explore some of the every-day practicalities involved in the grieving process, all while helping to see God as present in a time where that may not be easy to see and feel.

Most likely written by the prophet Jeremiah, Lamentations is a collection of poems mourning the siege of Jerusalem and the coming exile of Judah. Despite the wickedness of God’s people that led to their captivity, the writer reminds his readers the loyal love and mercy of the Lord are truly new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even in deep darkness, God is our portion, our hope, and our salvation.

When trauma or tragedy strike, it can seem to us that it’s impossible to live again. Neurosurgeon Lee Warren—who has endured his own personal tragedies—says you can survive, find your feet, reinvigorate your faith, and even experience happiness again. His treatment plan works. And hope is the first dose he prescribes.

By journaling our prayers and reflecting on our experiences, we dialogue with God, finding peace and reassurance in His presence, a simple yet profound act of writing down your thoughts to understand them more clearly. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”