“Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God’s story never ends with ‘ashes.” ~Elisabeth Elliot
Grieving mamas often feel stuck, navigating the whirlwind of emotions that come without warning, while also being expected to put one foot in front of the other. Life doesn’t shut down just because we’re grieving. Responsibilities remain, and in our “mama” fashion, we step up to the plate as best we can.
Oh, how we long for brighter days and happy endings! Thankfully, we have a God who knows the beginning from the end. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. By the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are enfolded in His love and given precious promises for the journey.
We might not know exactly how things will turn out, but we know the One who does. And as Elisabeth Elliot said, “God’s story never ends with ashes.”
In the middle of your sorrow, here are 7 Scriptures and prayers to comfort your tender heart. May God bless you and keep you through this season of grief.
“May the Name of the Lord Be Praised”
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:20)
How easy it is to receive God’s blessings, but pray away the trials. Let Job’s words encourage us to trust the Lord no matter what, faithfully declaring, “May the name of the Lord be praised!”
Holy God, I am struggling to praise You in this trial. Please restore the joy of my heart and renew my faith once again. The loss I feel runs so deep, I fear I’ll never rise above it. Please be the lifter of my head. As David prayed, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.” (Psalm 3:3 AMP) Today, I choose to worship. Today, I choose to praise. Glory be to Your name on high, my Savior and Friend.
“How Long, Lord?”
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” (Psalm 13:1-2)
When we pray the same things over and over with no relief, we might think God has stopped listening to us. But know this: He hears the cries of your heart. He knows every thought, and His help is on the way.
Lord, how my thoughts betray me. Even when I purpose to meditate on Your Word, it doesn’t take long for contrary thoughts to take over. The hurt, pain, and sorrow just won’t relent. Please ease the burden, Lord, as You said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I come to You now, Lord Jesus. Please lift the heavy yoke I’m carrying. Sustain me beneath the weight of it and give me the peace only You can provide.
“For I Am in Distress”
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.” (Psalm 31:9)
Grief takes a real toll on our bodies. That’s why it’s so important to get adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition through seasons of trial. Ask the Lord to sustain you, body, heart, mind, and soul.
My entire being is in distress, Lord. From the top of my head to the soles of my feet, I am in great anguish. Please relieve the stress and pain. Open my eyes to Your mercy, Your tender-loving mercies that are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! In my weakness, be my strength. When my eyesight is dim, be the light that goes before me. I trust You to pull me out of this grief and renew my hope again.
“Close to the Brokenhearted”
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
When you don’t feel God’s nearness, fear can enter the picture. But remember that God never leaves nor forsakes you. He is closer than a brother, nearer than a friend.
Please come closer, Lord. As I draw near to You, please draw near to me. I need your faithful presence more than ever! My heart is broken, and my spirit is crushed, but You are steadfast and true. In Your loving presence, I am comforted and upheld. Keep me here, Lord, in the protective fold of Your glory and goodness.
“All My Tears in Your Bottle”
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 NLT)
As grieving mamas, we’ve cried so many tears that it seems impossible that God could hold them all. Yet, He sees each tear that falls. Take your sorrows to the Father; He knows just what to do with them.
Heavenly Father, how comforting it is to know that You see every tear and collect them in Your bottle. My sorrows are numbered by You. Thank you for caring so much about me and promising to perfect that which concerns me. (Psalm 138:8) Please dry my tears and fill my heart with joy again. Let the waves of grief get smaller and smaller as I move into a new season of restoration and peace.
“Those Who Hope in the Lord”
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Will I ever be able to hope again? This is a question you might be asking, one that is answered in the Scriptures. God is the keeper of our hope, so don’t lose heart.
Gracious God, weariness is the best way to describe how I feel. It’s as if I’m walking through a fog. Please lift me out of this cloud of grief and help me soar above it. I desperately need Your strength! I ask for an abundance of hope, a hope that transcends my current situation. Please show me the good things yet to come. My hope is in You.
“In All Our Troubles”
“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.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Comfort and peace await us, dear friend. In the presence of Abba Father, we find the rest we seek. Will you go to Him now and receive His blessed comfort?
Father God, how I need Your comfort in this moment. Like a daughter who rests her head on her Daddy’s chest, I rest my weary head on Your heart today. Please envelop me in Your loving arms, protecting me from the hurt and pain. Let me stay here, Lord, as long as it takes to find peace again. I trust You to pull me through, restore my joy, and mend my grieving heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Canva Pro
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
