![And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.](https://tammykennington.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/And-we-know-that-in-all-things-God-works-for-the-good-of-those-who-love-him-whoa-have-been-called-according-to-his-purpose..png)
Grief strikes at the heart like a viper; striking the revealed, vulnerable areas belonging to its unsuspecting victim–sometimes providing only the slightest of advance warnings. Then, a sudden sting, until the ache begins to settle low. Heavy. Burdensome.
Those of us who’ve impressed a footprint on Earth’s soil have either felt grief’s sharp pang or we will. And, while we assume grief is our enemy, it is really one of the clearest reminders to needing, bleeding, aching hearts that the world wasn’t meant to be this way.
[bbctt tweet="Grief is one of the clearest reminders to needing,bleeding,aching hearts that the world wasn't meant to be this way.#grief#loss#notheendofhope"]
We weren’t meant to know the grief of an unwelcome diagnosis.
Innocent children weren’t created to be bought and sold into lives of slavery vacant of love.
Death. Addiction. Depression. None of these were intended for God’s people.
Created as Paradise, this world has borne sin’s twisted power since the rich, sweet taste of what had been forbidden unfurled on the tongues and in the hearts of our first parents.
[bbctt tweet="Meaningful, tweetable quote.Because of his incomprehensible loss we receive a promise in process--not fully realized, but as certain as the resurrection."#unseenthingsthataretrue#powerofGod]
In our grief, we know there is an unacknowledged reality far more powerful than that which is seen. We’re reminded of the grief the heavenly father experienced when his gift to men hung on a tree; bruised and battered as if he were refuse rather than Rescuer. And, because of his incomprehensible loss we receive a promise in process–not fully realized but as certain as the resurrection.
[bbctt tweet="We catch a glimpse of the holy Shepherd's heartache when he wept.#Jesuswept#holygrief"]
So we grieve our losses, but not in hopelessness. We are reviled by injustice, but rely on the Judge. We catch a glimpse of the holy Shepherd’s heartache when he wept, but know the victory has already been won.
Maybe you are grieving today. I know it’s painful, Friend, and I’m sorry.
Without minimizing the hurt in your heart, can I gently remind you that He understands? He will be with you whether you walk through fire or travel through the darkest valley. You may not feel as though it’s true, but He will never leave your side. One day soon, this world’s grief will be forgotten and replaced with joy unimaginable as we soak in the glory of Christ with all things renewed. Restored. Reestablished.
I’ve collected a few of my favorite Bible verses to pray over when your heart is hurting. Just click on the link below.
5 Printable Bible Verses for a Hurting Heart
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:
Mondays Sunday Thoughts / InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda Mandy and Michele
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/ Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire , Blogger Voices Network , Embracing the Unexpected
What a compassionate and comforting post! I love your balanced outlook! You have managed to show compassion and understanding not minimizing the sting of grief but at the same time you point at the big picture which inspires hope. Great idea with the printable Bible verses! By the way these are really some of my favourite verses, especially the first one from Revelation!
Hi Hadassah. I love the verse from Revelation, too. That beautiful day will make all of the struggles in life fade away. What a treasure awaits us! Thanks for stopping by today. Peace and grace, Tammy
Grief often comes when we least expect it. Thank you for these comforting scriptures. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #TuneInThursday.
Hi Gayl. God’s word is always a comfort, isn’t it. Peace and grace, Tammy
I tried to understand Jesus’ thoughts, but I really had to study the Father, how hard it had to be for Him to give Jesus.
I cannot even begin to imagine, Rebecca. Blessings, Tammy
Thoughtfully and beautifully written. laurensparks.net
I always enjoy connecting with you, Lauren. Peace and grace, Tammy
Thank you, Lauren. Blessings, Tammy
Thanks fo linkng up at Legacy Link-Ups. One thing about blended families… it menas there is some grief somewhere along the way. There was in my family. God bless your ministry to the grieving. Michele and I are thinking about featuring on grief this fall sometime.
Thanks for commenting, Mandy. Grief is a part of living, isn’t it. We can’t have it without the beauty. Feel free to share anytime you’d like. It’d be an honor! Blessings, Tammy