But this time, I crashed. The first two miscarriages were sad, but I accepted them and moved on. This time, grief cracked me open. You know that brokenhearted feeling where pain settles in your chest? That’s been me. Maybe it’s because I naturally gravitate toward groups of three, and this was the third loss. My grief has also included some spiritual warfare because I've had to surrender an unexpected barrage of intrusive thoughts about past hurts and pain. Either way, it’s been a fight to lean toward God and not let my mind chase negativity or revisit old wounds.
Chances are, you’re nodding. Maybe you’ve faced fertility struggles yourself or watched someone you love walk through them. Maybe you’re heartbroken, watching a family member suffer or your marriage has never been the type of relationship you hoped for. Maybe your world hasn’t righted itself since the pandemic, and you’ve staggered around in a haze. You aren't alone. I'm glad you're here.
If that’s you, I want to share three points of hope for trudging through sadness—and please feel free to pass this devotion on to someone who needs it.
First, God is nearest when we’re hurting the most.
When pain isolates us, Satan loves to attack our minds with lies about God’s indifference. But God’s Word is clear:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” – Psalm 34:18 NLT
Even when we go numb, God is near.
Second, you can be sad and still be strong in your faith.
Isaiah’s words about Jesus have become more precious as I’ve grown older:
“He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” – Isaiah 53:3 NLT
Jesus grieved all of the time. He felt the sting of rejection and loss. Yet He carried His grief by praying, serving, leaning on community, and meditating on Scripture. Those same tools can strengthen us in our sorrow.
Finally, you don’t have to “fix” your grief.
Some Christians grew up believing that believers should never be sad, or that something was wrong with their faith if they did not bounce back quickly. In reality, there are some losses we may always grieve, but our goal is to grieve with hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Let’s avoid “spiritual bypassing,” which means minimizing harm or heartache with spiritual platitudes. This can rob us of authentic healing. I love that John recorded Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb. Jesus shed tears of anger and sorrow over a broken world. Jeremiah did the same in Lamentations, pouring out raw prayers without pretending.
“Lord, see my anguish! My heart is broken and my soul despairs…”
– Lamentations 1:20 NLT
Sometimes grief just needs a witness. I pray you have trusted friends to hold space for your sorrow, and that you pour your heart out honestly to God.
This week, I’ve refused to paste a smile over my sadness. I know God is near and active, but I’ve still asked friends for prayer. I’ve told my daughters and colleagues how much I’m struggling. I’ve cried, prayed, and even felt angry.
There’s no tidy bow to put on this devotion. But I hope today gave you permission to sit honestly with your sadness, while leaning into the hope that only God can give.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU: Which verse ministered to you today? How can I pray for you?
