Our sorrow is not the end as God continues
to work through redemptive history.
It’s been a hard couple of weeks. First, it was the 32-year-old wife and mother who lost her battle with cancer. Then the tiny baby girl who could no longer fight after being born too soon. And then, the 19-year-old daughter whose life came to a tragic end. As a mother with children and grandchildren of my own, these losses have hit close to home.
As I’ve thought about and prayed for the grieving families, these words have echoed in my head: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:16
Psalm 34 is a hymn of worship and wisdom, written by David as he escaped danger and even death. Part of the praise David offered up was the recognition of God’s comfort and care for His children. The Lord was not only David’s mighty Deliverer; He drew close to David in his time of desperation.
In some of life’s worst moments, many of us have sat with others. Or maybe someone has sat with us. Most often, words cannot lessen the pain. Yet the comfort that presence offers should never be diminished. When heartbreak is unbearable, closeness whispers, “you are not alone.”
Yet what does it mean for God to be near? We cannot see Him or touch Him. He does not speak to us with an audible voice.
The good news is that our feelings don’t affect God’s closeness, nor does He back away from our tears, our questions, or our doubts. When everything seems wrong, we can experience God’s presence in seemingly small ways. A friend who listens. A night of rest. A beautiful sunset. A moment of peace. These blessings tell us that He is enveloping us with His love by displaying His goodness and grace.
Even more so, God’s Word tells us of His presence throughout all eternity. When we struggle to understand, we can find hope in God’s sovereign plan and in the promise that this world is not our home. Christ willingly went to the cross to defeat sin and death and bring healing to our pain. He not only understands our sorrow because He suffered in our place, but continues to work through redemptive history, reminding us that our sorrow is not the end.
Amid the heartbreak this life will bring, God does not leave us to pick up the pieces alone. He promises His presence today and forever, just as He guided the saints in the past. His nearness gives us a reason to trust while we wait for the day when God will heal our brokenness, once and for all.
Because even though every step was painful, You never let us walk this ragged road alone. Ullie-Kaye
Today, if your heart is broken, run to the One who draws close in every need. Pour out every disappointment, sorrow and fear. Hold fast to His promises for today and eternity. Rest in His comfort and care.
When the world delivers nothing but pain, God reminds us of this: “You are not alone.”
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you . . . I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:22,33
Thank you for the reminder that God is in control and we are not. It seems to be a hard season for many people, including ourselves, Thankful we know who holds our hand through it all even if I sometimes forget.