21 Days of Prayer and Fasting With Rock City ChurchSample

DAY 12: A HEALED HEART (GRIEF/LOSS)

Read: Psalm 147:3; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Psalm 71:20; John 14:27; Psalm 30:5

While grief is a common emotion expressed throughout Scripture, we tend to believe the lie that feeling sorrow is the antithesis of having faith. But that could not be farther from the truth! In John 11:35 we read that Jesus wept over the death of Lazarus even though Jesus knew Lazarus would be resurrected. His example shows us that heartfelt grieving does not indicate a lack of faith, but is instead an honest response to the reality of suffering.

Grief is a natural response to the pain and the suffering we experience this side of heaven, but it is also an emotion that was never intended to last forever. In the book of Psalms, we are provided countless examples of how to process grief. It is important to note that the Psalmist intertwines grief with praise, consistently redirecting his hope and setting his sorrow in right relationship with God.

God is not afraid of our grief. Psalm 34:18 shares that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He is right there with us as we grieve, and if we are honest with Him, and express our grief before Him, we can trust that He will be faithful in healing our hearts.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in times of pain and suffering. Thank You for Jesus’ example and for His promise to be near the brokenhearted. Protect my heart from being overcome with grief, and help me to praise You in the midst of the storms of life. You are my hope and my ever-present help in times of trouble. I trust You to always heal my heart and to carry my burdens.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Is there any grief you are currently carrying that you need to lay at the foot of the cross?

2. Who in your life is walking through grief or loss that you could pray for and encourage?

3. Has there been a time in your life when you experienced the peace of God while walking through a season of grief and heartbreak?