When Grief Comes in Waves
Grief touches every one of us eventually, and yet when sorrow first arrives, we often feel so alone in it. We wonder if anyone truly understands the weight we are carrying.
That is why I am so grateful that the Bible speaks honestly about grief.
Scripture never minimizes human suffering, and it never asks us to pretend that painful seasons do not hurt. In fact, Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” I am always comforted by that description of our Savior. Jesus understands heartache. He understands what it means to weep. He understands what it feels like to stand in the middle of pain.
And because He understands grief so personally, He is able to minister to us with such great compassion.
Psalm 34:18 says:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NASB95
I have discovered that grief rarely moves in straight lines. Some days are manageable, while other days the sorrow feels unexpectedly fresh again. A memory, a photograph, or even a familiar song can suddenly bring tears we thought had already been cried.
But even when grief comes in waves, the presence of God remains steady.
I have learned over the years that some of the sweetest moments of intimacy with the Lord are often born in seasons that we never would have chosen for ourselves. When life is easy, we can sometimes move quickly through our days without recognizing how desperately we need Him. But suffering has a way of drawing us back to the heart of God.
Not because God delights in our pain, but because He refuses to abandon us in it.
I also love the promise found in Romans 8:28:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 NASB95
This verse does not tell us that every circumstance is good. There are losses in life that are heartbreaking. There are moments that leave us with questions we cannot fully answer on this side of eternity.
But even in the middle of profound sorrow, God is still at work.
He is still comforting His children. He is still strengthening weary hearts. He is still redeeming what feels broken beyond repair.
And while we may not yet understand the purpose of every painful season, we can trust the heart of the One who walks with us through it.
Friend, if grief has been heavy lately, may I encourage you not to pull away from the presence of God. Bring Him your questions. Bring Him your tears. Bring Him the loneliness and the disappointment and the sorrow that still catches you off guard.
He is not intimidated by your pain.
The Lord is gentle with grieving people. He stays close to those whose hearts are hurting, and He faithfully carries us one day at a time.
One day, in heaven, grief will finally be gone forever. What a glorious promise that is for every believer in Jesus Christ. But until that day comes, we hold tightly to the truth that we never walk through sorrow alone.
The Shepherd walks with His sheep — even through the valley.