Our God is not a distant God. He sees and cares about everything that happens to us in our lives. He comforts us and heals our aching hearts. I know you’ve heard that before. And, if you are like I used to be, believing that is fine and dandy for everyone else. But when it comes to our problems, our pain, and our grief, our faith can be rather shaky. I’m just one person out of billions on this earth. A speck of dust basically, on a huge ball of dirt. Why would God want to help me? Imperfect, weak and insignificant me…

Why? Because, it pleases Him to do so.

My heart is in such a different place today than it was at this same time last year. I can hardly believe the change. Last October, I had just experienced a kick to the gut through the heart-wrenching rejection from a child. It came out of the blue and was totally unexpected.
On that day, my world collapsed. So deep was my sorrow and so fresh was the wound that I, from my perspective, couldn’t see a time in my future when I would feel any better, let alone, get through the days before me. How could I? A mother’s love runs deep and so does the excruciating pain that can sometimes come from that love. But, over this past year, I have been covered with another love. Yes, I still feel the loss and there is a scar on my heart that will never completely mend, but… During this painful time, God has never left my side. As I clung to Him, He showed me love and comfort when all I knew was blinding and consuming grief. Tenderly He wiped away my tears as He cared for me, bringing me solace and support right when I needed it most.

“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

God’s love isn’t just for other people. He doesn’t simply heal other people’s hearts. He will heal yours, too. When we turn to Him in our grief, He will help us, for we are His. This was God’s plan from the start - He chose you and He chose me to be in a relationship with Him – a relationship filled with love, mercy and grace. And, our loving God went to great lengths to make that relationship possible. Jesus went to the cross for that relationship. He suffered rejection and pain as He sacrificed His life on earth for that relationship. He endured the greatest heartache there is by being separated from God as He went to the grave for that relationship. And then, miraculously, He rose again, and made a bridge between God and us. Now, that is love. It’s a love that’s available for all of us at any time, in any place, during any trial, no matter how big or small. Jesus is here... Now... For you.

In His grip,






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15 Comments

  1. I'm so glad you were able to feel the loving hand of God walk you through such a difficult time, Joan! As you know, I'm kinda there right now...walking through some painful experiences in my life. I pray that I can feel the love and peace of God every day, even when I'm hurting inside. I read Psalm 56:8 several month ago and it still hits home for me today. Thanks for sharing from your heart!

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  2. Hugs and continued prayers for you, Joan. I love what you shared here, and it echoes a point in a sermon that my pastor recently preached. He talked about how Jesus was a man of sorrows who was acquainted with grief. I found this so comforting -- since we are in a grieving season right now. Much love to you, my friend.

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  3. Thanks, Ann. I'm so sorry that you are also experiencing some painful experiences. It is so hard, isn't it? Trying to make sense of it all doesn't help, but clinging to our God does. I can't even imagine going through this past year without Him. I pray that you feel His comfort and love as you look to Him.

    Blessings, Joan

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  4. Oh, yes. Though I don't like to think of our Savior suffering, knowing that He has makes me realize just how much He truly understands. He is not a God who guesses at what our hearts are feeling...He knows. And because He knows, His compassion is even greater. I am so thankful for His constant presence and love!


    Blessings, Joan

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  5. Absolute truth here Joan. Thank you for sharing it so tenderly and beautifully. His healing grace is able to cover the pain that lays us low. Wow, knowing that through personal experience gives courage and hope. Blessings and hugs to you!

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  6. Thanks, Deb...this truth was learned "the hard way"...but I'm praising God for His faithfulness!


    Blessings, Joan

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  7. Sharita KnoblochNovember 01, 2014

    Joan, I so love your words-- and continue to live the truth in them. I was in a very different place this time last year... And the year before that... and before... Yes, God is at work, here for us then and now. Thank you, sweet friend. Just thanks.

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  8. A beautiful, yet painful reminder, Joan. Thank you for sharing. We've gone through a similar "loss" this year. May God continue to uphold and comfort you.

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  9. Yes, each year (or day for that matter) is a new one and God is continually at work. We can count on Him working out His plan for us! I am so thankful!


    Blessings, Joan

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  10. It is often so difficult to trust when we are in the midst of incredibly painful circumstances like yours, but we can have faith knowing that we are safe and secure in Him and that He works all things together for His purposes. I know that He is working in your circumstances and I pray that you will see the results soon. Thanks for the encouragement - keep the faith!

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  11. Thanks Heather! Yes, trust can be hard, but it is well worth it! I know that God has my best interests at heart and I am so thankful!


    Blessings, Joan

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  12. Amen! Hurt runs so deep but God's love for us runs deeper. My momma heart hurts with you and rejoices that God walked the painful walk with you and brought you to a place of healing. Thank you for your beautiful words and for linking up with The Weekend Brew.

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  13. I can't imagine walking though pain like this without God in my life. I am thankful that He is bringing you through to the other side. My heart aches for you as I continue to ask God to mend that broken place.

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  14. I'm so thankful for God's love, Mary! I know that I can always count on it...His love never fades and He will always be right by our sides! What a blessing!

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  15. Thanks, Barbie... I can't imagine it either. God has been so faithful and has taught me so much this year. Even in the sadness, He has given me much joy and so many blessings. I know He has my best at heart!


    Blessings, Joan

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