Daily devotion – Two words!
Grieving and God’s Comfort
The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” – John 11:35, is only two words, yet those two words reveal so much about the heart of the God who loves us.
“Jesus wept.” These words describe our Lord’s actions and emotions at the funeral of His friend Lazarus.
When grief strikes us, it wounds us like no other pain or sorrow we have ever endured. Even though the Bible tells us that death has been defeated through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the sting of separation is still deeply felt in our hearts. The Apostle Paul writes so beautifully in his letter to the church in Corinth:
1Co 15:55
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
The Bible also reminds us that as believers we do not grieve without hope:
1Th 4:13
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
Yet God made us in His image, and therefore we grieve. Even our Lord Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus.
Many well-meaning people speak of closure and time as being the remedy for grief. While they desire to help, the reality is that grief often comes in waves that continue long after the funeral has passed. Certain memories, places, songs, or quiet moments can suddenly bring the sorrow rushing back again.
But let us return to those precious words: “Jesus wept.”
In our grief, Jesus fully understands our pain and sorrow. He is not distant from our suffering. As our great High Priest, He intercedes for us and brings a comfort that only He can truly give.
2Co 1:3
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
We also experience this comfort through the fellowship of the family of God:
Rom 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
How precious it is when brothers and sisters in Christ simply sit beside us, pray with us, and share in our burdens.
If today grief has overwhelmed your heart, remember this: Jesus understands. He knows the tears you cry in private, the ache you carry within, and the loneliness that grief can bring.
When those moments come, call upon Him. Lean upon Him. Pour out your heart before Him.
The same Saviour who stood at Lazarus’ tomb and wept, walks beside His children still — and He will comfort you.