Grief’s Unexpected Journey: 15 Comforting Devotions After Losing Someone You LoveSample

Every Moment Matters

If you’ve ever gazed at a flickering candle long enough, you’ve likely noticed a change happening right beneath the flame. The once-hard wax begins to soften and turn to liquid, and if that candle is scented, its sweet aroma will start to fill the room. If candles had feelings, they would likely resist the match that lights them, preferring to stay unmelted, avoiding the burn, and keeping their original, undisturbed shape.

When we experience the hardest times in our lives, it can burn in ways we never imagined. We most definitely would not have chosen to endure these seasons, and we may wonder how much more we can take before our loving God extinguishes the flame. First, we must remember that He never intended for us to feel the sadness of loss or the pain of brokenness. However, He does not allow a moment of our difficulties to be wasted. Whether we can see it now or will see it one day as we look back, He is orchestrating goodness within us, one day at a time. He is allowing us to become more like Jesus through it all. God softens our hearts in our grief like the wax of that burning candle. We learn what it is to bear the pain of a broken world, and we begin to recognize the deeper struggles in those around us. The more we open ourselves to His compassion, the more of that compassion pours through us to others. Not only are we softened, but we can also offer the sweet aroma that only comes from those who have clung to Jesus through their darkest days. We, who have beheld His tender gaze, can offer His soul-soothing love to those who need it most. There’s no rush, though—no matter where you are on the journey, just know every one of those difficult moments matters, and your loving Father assures you that no one will be wasted. May you feel His tenderness today.

Lord, this life burns so much sometimes. I need to know You are bringing goodness out of the pain. May I sense the softening of my heart and find purpose in sharing Your love with others on the journey.