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

The Road Ahead

Why don’t our hardest paths come with maps? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could know exactly what was coming down the road so we could be prepared? Many people throughout history have surely cried out to God in this way: Lord, I just need to see what’s ahead. Please show me the way! Grief, especially, can leave us feeling lost, even during our ordinary lives. Feelings may be unfamiliar; relationships may be strained; we may feel afraid to move forward in faith, wondering what might be lurking around the corner, waiting to steal our joy. We can feel frozen, struggling to trust God’s leading and wishing life were more laid out for us. Most of us have been there at one time or another—called beyond the boundaries of our trust, wondering where the courage will come from for our next steps, maybe even crying out for God to make His presence known in a time that feels lonely and scary In these times, it’s good to remember that He has never left our side.

While our prayer for an easy-to-follow map may not be answered, the assurance that He is with us on the journey is there, even in the most confusing times. If you ever have trouble imagining Jesus’s constant presence, try to envision Him in the light of the Gospels. Hear Him saying, “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19:14 NIV and see yourself as that child, cherished by Him, held safely in His arms. See Him washing His close companions’ feet the night before He died for us and count yourself among those companions “So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet” (John 13:4–5 NIV). Remember that even those who walked with Him were uncertain about the road ahead, but they held on to that one promise—I will be with you—spoken and demonstrated in so many ways. That is our blessed assurance too. When you feel a little lost, you can count on your Navigator to bring you through He is the Way, and you belong to Him.

Lord, remind me of Your constant presence, and help me to rest in the moment with You.