The Darkness Of Grief

At some time in their lives, everyone experiences grief. The Bible is full of stories of grieving people, crying out to God in their torment and anguish.

* O my God, my soul is downcast within me. Psalm 42:6 ... there is no one to comfort me. Lamentations 1:21 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Psalm 43:5 O my Comforter, in sorrow, my heart is faint within me. Jeremiah 8:18 My soul is downcast within me. Lamentations 3:20

When grief is fresh, our hearts refuse to be comforted. We are overwhelmed with sorrow. It is sometimes impossible to even lift ones eyes toward Heaven, when deep in depression. God knows that, and He never gives up on us. I have spent a lot of time in the valley of the shadow of death. I have been so full of sorrow, I could not find my way out. But God quietly holds out His promises.

* Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13 I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Even when we are nearly buried in the quicksand of despair, God is there, ready to lift us up. He never forces his love on us. If our sorrow is too great, and we refuse to be comforted, He patiently waits, ready for a faltering hand to be lifted toward him.

* When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!' then he will save the downcast. Job 22:29 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Our Heavenly Father is filled with love for us. He sorrows to see our despair. The Bible has many verses promising comfort.

* I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12 I will guide him and restore comfort to him. Isaiah 57:18 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us. 2 Corinthians 7:6 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalms 119:76

What a blessed relief it is, to finally begin to heal from a broken heart! The first time the spirit is able to feel joy again, it is as astonishing as an unborn baby's first kick. It is like being released from a dark tomb into the sunshine.

* Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

Those of us who have known great anguish of heart, and have been comforted, are asked of God to comfort others.

* Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

* Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1 ...comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:2

If you are grieving, you have reached a person who cares. I am praying for anyone in pain, who has come and read these words. I am reaching my hand out toward you now in comfort.