GRIEF
Psalm 34:18 NIV
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
It took me years to understand the verse above is talking about grief, which by definition is sadness or emotional distress following a loss. Unfortunately, we all experience grief at some point in our life.
I have faced grief many times in my life, and it’s safe to say that this deep sadness is multifaceted. One moment you feel like your breath has been completely knocked out of you. Then later, it changes to an indescribable heaviness. I can’t forget the days I didn’t have the strength to take a shower. Quirky as grief is, there are some days when you don’t even know you’re grieving.
If I told you I felt the same about each loss, I would be lying. However, God used these events in my life to draw me close.
The truth is, grieving isn’t new. Don’t you think God grieved when Cain killed Abel? And Jesus wept for Lazarus. How about when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was at the foot of the cross?
I can’t seem to find anything in scripture depicting the grief she must have felt. I can only imagine. Of course, I know the pain of losing a child. What I don’t know is how it feels to hear everyone around you taunting and mocking your child, rejoicing as he hung on a cross. Did she feel like a sword was piercing her soul? (Luke 2:55)
It was on the days that I didn’t feel like a sword was piercing my heart that I met God. I found that even in our grief, we can open our hearts to God and experience his comfort. God has many names, one of which is Jehovah Rapha; the Lord who heals.
My friends, we can call out to the God who is able and willing to heal you in your deepest despair.
Lord,
My healer and comfort, I pray for your closeness, your reassurance, and your freedom from grief. I praise the Lord who heals and I ask that you cover those who are crushed in spirit with your unconditional love and your everlasting peace.
Amen
Never Ending Praise The Lord 
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