Grief is Pain - Perspective

The LORD . . . has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve . . . to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

Thought

A soul friend wrote these words to me on an especially difficult day: “I felt your pain today. I knew I had no words to reach your emptiness . . . no way to break through the isolation of your grief . . . but I care deeply.” Through the pain of grief—worry, loneliness, suffering—your source of spiritual comfort is the Holy Spirit, who binds up the brokenhearted, comforts all who mourn, and provides for those who grieve.

Prayer

God, I understand better the pain of grief. May I be open to exchanging the ashes of my sorrow for the gift of your comfort. Amen.

Assurance

When I am ready, beauty, gladness, and praise await my heart.