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(Psalm 34:18) "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
This series is about how GOD is believed to communicate with us all. (9) GOD's Presence in Grief: Defined as the deep emotional pain and sorrow experienced after a significant loss.
Many Psalms speak about GOD's faithfulness, especially during times of distress and grief. One of my favourites is the one mentioned above.
We've all likely experienced grief, and I've realised that each of us handles it differently, as we are influenced by our past experiences. My personal testimonies show that calling upon His Presence may not remove or diminish the extent of our suffering; rather, when He is called upon to help, GOD actually enters into our suffering alongside us—proving the reality of the above Psalm.
This understanding challenged my initial belief that a good GOD should have prevented the suffering altogether. Instead, I've come to realise that GOD works to provide the miracles we truly need—not necessarily the ones we ask for!
Even though our hearts scream that ours is a unique case, 2,000 years of Christian teachings and testimonies show that GOD loves to reveal Himself through our human struggles, emphasising His support and presence with those who suffer, rather than preventing all suffering!
You might not like this stance, but look at Jesus. Scripture tells us that even “Although he was a son, He learned obedience through what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8) He demonstrated solidarity with us through His experience of torture and death on the cross. He showed us how to trust the Holy Spirit and to even embrace grief and suffering, rather than avoid it (Isaiah 53:4): "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering." This passage speaks of GOD's presence and empathy 'in' our hardships.
When we agree to crucify the desires of our flesh and follow the Holy Spirit, we too will come to understand that by enduring and keeping the faith together, Christ's words and His Wisdom will remain with us, and then, we too will see the Presence of GOD shine forth—even in the darkest times.
When the pain seems unbearably real. When questions linger, and losses can't be undone... GOD stays Faithful as our "all in all.” (Colossians 3:11) My conclusion, therefore, is that GOD doesn't always stop the suffering as we expect Him to. Instead, He offers companionship in the storm. His Presence (like a loving mother with her child) turns our feelings of an isolated pain into shared sorrow - all wrapped up in Divine Love. As the Psalmist encourages, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)
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Let us pray, "Heavenly Father, thank You for being near to us when we're brokenhearted. In moments of pain and sorrow, comfort us with Your presence. Heal our wounded spirits and remind us that You are always with us, offering hope and strength and guidance." Amen!
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URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS (Please keep checking as more are being added almost daily)