SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 53:4 NLT Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!

NUGGET
It doesn't take a very long life before one encounters sadness. As we grow, the griefs of this life may change, but no matter what any “quick fix” salesman may try to tell you, there's no escape from the pain in this world. Jesus didn’t even promise this (“...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33). Most of us know this in our head, but when heartache shows up on our doorstep, head knowledge alone does very little to soften the blow. Thank God for His compassion in the midst of our grief! He is not unstable or easily offended when we come to Him with doubts, frustration or sadness. His grace is not retracted when we wonder what He’s doing. In-fact, He chose to bear the weight of the very sorrows we’d carry.

ACTIVATION
Take some time to be honest with the Lord about your grief. Write down the doubts and questions you’ve been wrestling with. He already knows but can handle the weight of your sadness. Ask Him to carry it for you.

PRAYER
Lord, I'm hurting. I have so many questions and I don’t know where to start. Your word says You know exactly what I’m feeling. Would you hold me close? I need Your nearness to be my strength.

Devo by Rachael Thomas
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash