Day 5

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NIV)

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” (Hebrews 6:19, NLT)

“Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes within the morning.” (Psalm 30:5, NLT)

God is with you, even in the lonely places.

Grief can be a very lonely place. Not only did you lose the very one you would normally turn to for comfort, but the exhaustion, emotional upheaval, and heartache of grief often make us feel disconnected from others.

And yet, there is One who stands in that lonely place with us.

Jesus was often surrounded by people, but he knew how it felt to be alone. The Gospels show Jesus spending time by himself, being abandoned by others, and seeking out lonely places to pray. Scripture also makes it clear that while in some of those lonely places, Jesus experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and deep grief.

Our God is not a passive bystander watching our pain from a distance. He is a good and loving Father who knows how it feels to cry, to grieve, to hurt. Jesus sits with us in our grief—not as a judge, nor as a disinterested third party, but as a compassionate friend, a wise counselor, and a light that is able to pierce the deepest darkness.

Jesus knows you want your pet back. He knows how lonely you feel. He knows how badly your arms ache for your beloved animal. He knows because his arms also ache to hold you.

Jesus is not indifferent to your pain. He is not offended by your anger. Instead, he longs for you to invite him into your lonely place, into your broken heart. You won’t have to say anything or do anything. You can simply invite him in, and he will come. He will sit with you. He will be with you. He will remain with you. And you can grieve alone—together. With the One who loves you, even more than you love your pet.

When you’re ready . . .

Take some time to sit with your grief in God’s presence. Ask him to allow you to feel his presence with you. If you’re angry, tell him. If you’re disappointed, tell him. If you’re lonely and broken, tell him. Then invite him to speak to your broken heart.

Prayer

Lord, I invite you into my grief, into the lonely places that feel so raw and so empty. Please fill me with your presence. And remind my broken heart that you are with me.