“I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’
– Lamentations 3:55-57

Intense grief can result in feeling like you have been thrown into a pit, and there is no one to rescue you from your peril. There is nowhere to turn for relief. There is no magic cure, no amount of kind words that can bring relief (although hugs go a long way to help).

But if, in your moment of feeling helpless and anchorless, you can turn to the Lord, you will find that He is right there in the pit with you. He does not close His ears to your cry for relief. He offers his presence and gives you the courage not to fear, knowing that He has it all under control.

I have experienced the death of a husband enough times to know that the intensity of this grief will not last forever. I am thankful that the Lord has not abandoned me and left me alone in this pit of despair. I can look up and know that there is sunshine out there and a life that is still worth living.

Many in our congregation have lost the love of their life in the last few years, and I want to encourage each one of you that the Lord is always near, even if you can’t feel Him. Trust in Him and do not fear.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you stay with us during times that our lives are in the pits.

– Contributed by Karen Seutter