WHEN GRIEF TOUCHES YOUR HEART 

«Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me» (Psalm 23:4). 

THEIR PAIN was in full bloom, their gaze was despondent, and their lips showed an expression of deep suffering. Just a few days before, they had lost one of their children through a violent and unexpected incident. The mother struggled with such an unbearable sadness that her pain sometimes seemed to be an agony. The father, wanting to be strong, looked for solitary places to cry until he could not do it anymore. No doubt, death is one of the greatest pains we experience on this earth, and even worse when it’s the death of a child. This kind of suffering seems to be endless. Nights become long and dark, and the memories of those who no longer are with us, constantly get into our minds, creating a great void.

After sin, our time on this planet separated us from God, bringing us closer to pain. However, we must remember that God «comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God» (2 Corinthians 1:4). Here we find one of the few good things about pain.

Viktor Frankl remarks that senseless suffering destroys us and produces hopelessness; on the other hand, meaningful suffering makes us grow. God allows us to experience pain because, after the trial, we will come out refined as gold that goes through fire. Are you currently going through a test of fire?  Are you suffering because of a loss? Is it a life-threatening illness? Have you lost a child? Is your marriage in crisis? You are not alone, God is with you, even if you can’t feel His presence. I am not trying to say that suffering isn’t real; however, it‘s important to understand that at the end of the pain some. thing new and good will happen to us, if we trust in the Lord.

• Don’t force the pain to leave. Let it flow, it will slowly leave you.
• The pain of a loss is very personal, follow your own rhythm.
• Acceptance will come. Just ask God to give you the strength you need while waiting.
• Lean on a network of people close to you.

Loss may seem to be our life companion, however, it’s encouraging to know that we will not be tested beyond what we can bear. This is one Of God’s promises. Today, may your prayer be: «Dear God, the pain I feel is overwhelming. Please give me strength to endure and to trust in Your love and mercy.»

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Take From: Daily Devotions for Women’s 2021
«BRUSHSTROKES OF GOD’S LOVE»
BY: Erna Alvarado Poblete
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Alejandra Zavala