Grief From Loss- A 7- Day DevotionalSample

The ache in your heart continues, and no matter how many encouraging words you receive or how many prayers that have come your way, nothing seems to help. Many tears have escaped your tear ducts, and though you want so badly to get better, you feel worse. No one seems to understand, and your broken heart appears internally to be broken beyond repair. It is in these moments that you pray and ask the Lord, “how long will this pain last?” You are trying to take care of your other responsibilities all the while carrying this weight on your heart. Every time that you find some solace, or the tears slow, you look around and see something that reminds you of your baby or loved one, and that weight bears down on your chest once again. This is all normal, and there is hope in the verse for today. It reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isn’t that good news? Although you don’t feel the Lord's presence because the pain and your grief mask it, His word is true. He is so close to you that not even a thought goes unnoticed in your mind. Be encouraged that God is for you and with you, and He promised never to leave you or forsake you. Though you feel as though you are drowning in despair, the Lord is actually working the opposite. He is saving you—saving you from giving up—saving you from falling into that pit of hopelessness and staying there. He is saving you from your own thoughts that plague your mind and say things like “I will never get through this.” He is saving you! If you can hold on to these few words today, “The Lord is near me, and he is saving me,” you will begin to feel that weight lift. Thank the Lord for His promises today, and be assured that He is with you even when the weight of grief is bearing down on your heart. Practical tip: Don’t focus too far out or try to rush the process. In the early stages of grief, I always encourage families to “just get through the day.” Often, the sting of grief and confusion is worse when we are thinking about all the moments we will miss—first moments like crawling, walking, and the big days like birthdays. God gives us enough grace for the day. God wants you to trust Him in the present moment and keep the faith that He will get you through the future. Don’t allow the crushing thoughts of tomorrow to add more sorrow to your today. The Lord is near, and He will get you through.