Joy and Strength: Devotions for Grief and LossSample

Humanity of Heart

When you are discouraged by the waves of emotions that crash over you, there is no need to add shame to the mix. Look at the psalms. They reveal the humanity of hearts longing to know God. David did not  sing songs that only reflected his victory and confidence. There are as many psalms that reflect the tension of suffering in his life.

When did perfection become the goal? When did ease in life become a marker of God’s favor? Pour out your true heart before God today. He doesn’t want your dressed-up faith. He wants your vulnerability. He wants your honesty. Be courageous and say what’s really hidden in your heart today. He can handle every bit of it.

God, though I’ve been trying to present my best to you even in suffering, I recognize that it’s not what you require of me. Meet me here and now as I give you my honesty.