The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
–Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
God Grieves with Us
The heart of the Father is grieved.
When we look around at all the senseless tragedies happening in our nation, our heart’s cry is often “God, where are You? What are You doing?” Right now, the Father is grieving. He grieves with the widow and children of Charlie Kirk, the loved ones of Iryna Zarutska, the families who experienced what no family should when they sent their children to school on a Wednesday morning in Colorado, and the loved ones who still feel the holes in their lives from the ones they lost on 9/11. He grieves when evil rears its head. He grieves with us.
Maybe you struggle with the idea that the all-powerful God of the universe could be grieving with you. All throughout Scripture, we see His great love for us. Here are some reminders you can hold onto today:
God is the only true source of hope, healing, justice, redemption, and peace! But as He leads us toward these answers, He also walks with us through the darkest valleys (Psalm 23). He doesn’t gloss over the pain and grief to get straight to the answers. He remains with us, comforts us, and lovingly leads us through to a place of healing and wholeness.
This season feels heavy, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Because we serve a strong God. Whatever emotion you’re feeling today—sadness, fear, anger, weariness—let Him carry you. He sees you, He carries you, and He is still good.
Can We Pray with You?
You might be carrying a lot today, and you were never meant to carry it on your own. We would love to stand with you in prayer and encourage you today. Whether you’re feeling weighed down by recent events in our nation or navigating a personal situation in your own life, pastors and leaders from our church family would love to pray with you. Text PRAYER to 71010.
Verses to Encourage You
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)
- The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. –Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. –2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (NIV)
- Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. –Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)