Grieving the life we thought we’d have or wish we had.
Grieving the loss of a loved one.
Grieving the sins of others that affect us, in our families, at work, schools, churches.
Grieving for those you can’t do anything to really help.
Grieving the pain we’ve caused others by our words or actions.
Sometimes I just have to sit in grief with Jesus, usually moments that aren’t the end of the world, but I’m just sad. The phrase that comforts and holds me in these times is when I hear God say to me, “It wasn’t supposed to be this way.” In that I hear sadness, His compassion, His shared pain.
And it wasn’t supposed to be this way, right? We are created for eternity with Him – a home we can’t imagine but long for. A place of wholeness, peace, love, communion, beauty, and joy.
I always wonder in the story when Jesus visited His friends Martha and Mary after the death of Lazarus, if that was one of the things He was thinking when He wept for His friends. “It wasn’t supposed to be this way.” And He wept. And I believe that He weeps when I weep, and He weeps when you weep. “It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”
What do you need to grieve for? For what do you need to sit with Jesus and cry, not demanding it to be fixed, but allowing His love to hold you together while you want to fall apart.
God promises restoration through Jesus, and we cling to that promise. My friend, this isn’t the end of the story. God knows the story in its entirety, so we hang on to hope. And He’ll be there every step of the way, with tears on His face.
If you need to grieve today, I’m sorry for your sadness, and I can’t recommend this song more. “Tears on Your Face” by Bethany Barnard
I believe you will get through this and beauty will arise from the ashes, in His perfect timing. May His strength and love hold you together until then.
My Heart, My Home 