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