Comforted by Godنموونە

A Refined Faith

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith…may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:6

Grief is a very real source of suffering. We grieve when we lose our loved one who has gone to be with the Lord. We may or may not totally get over their departure. The memory of the little things we shared in life could linger with us until the day we go to be with them in glory. We also grieve when we lose a child to foolish flings. We watch with broken hearts, as we are unable to control the harmful decisions of an adult son or daughter. We can suffer grief from all kinds of trials that create trouble. Yes, troubles are a test to refine our faith and to lead us to praise God. Lean into the Lord’s long-suffering and unconditional love as you grieve. Get to know your special friend Jesus at a new level. Enjoy solitude for a season, but avoid a prolonged trap of isolation. Engage with individuals and a care group who can grieve with you. Grief is not meant to be experienced alone. Processed pain is productive, but unprocessed pain is destructive. Rejoice, for though we suffer grief, we gain greater grace and deeper love from our heavenly Father.

“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.”

Psalm 10:14

Heavenly Father, in my grief I receive Your greater grace and deeper love that brings healing to my heart. Give me the courage and faith to process my pain with other followers of Jesus so I can grow more like Jesus. Thank You, precious Lord, for seeing my trouble and afflictions and for holding me in the comfort of Your loving hand.