by Charleen Burghardt
This devotion is for those who have experienced a loss, and it is from my book. Where Hope Rises: 60 Devotions for Walking Through Grief with God.
“Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22,23 NIV).
No Limits to God
Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupts daily and is known as one of the most predictable geysers in the United States. Visitors come from around the world to watch it expelling water over 100 feet in the air. This dynamic wonder of nature occurs when rainwater and snow seep into the ground. Little do we see that volcanic activity is far below the surface. Thermal energy creates pressure, and the geyser spouts boiling water with tremendous force.
A Geyser that never fails
Early explorers named the geyser Old Faithful because of its long history of spewing water and its predictability. Even today, tourists can search online for eruption times. The wonder of the nature of hydrothermal energy remains consistent from year to year. Like this fountain, God is faithful. The dictionary defines faithful as steadfast, true to facts, and adhering to promises.
Faithfulness Beneath the Surface
The prophet Jeremiah spoke to the Jews when they grieved the destruction of Jerusalem. They experienced enormous loss, suffering, and pain, leading to great lamentation. Amid their sorrow, Jeremiah spoke of God’s faithfulness. He reminded them that God remained with them and was loyal to them. From his words, hope emerged. They gained new strength in their faith and assurance that God heard them and was present.
Hope in Times of Grief
Likewise, we can call on the One who hears in our time of sadness, struggles, or grief. We can count on god to come through and to get us through. We often look at our circumstances and, especially when we have a loss. Our circumstances can leave us feeling alone and hopeless. It is very human to grieve a loss and to think no one else knows what we are going through. Grief is unpredictable, but God, unlike grief, is steadfast. Those are the times we can fix our gaze on the One who is faithful. We can pray, and be assured he hears.
Anchored in a Faithful God
In addition, God’s compassion and mercy never waver. Like clockwork, new mercies greet us daily as we leave bed. No matter how we feel, we can call a dependable God to meet us in our sorrow. Grief and loneliness may engulf us, but new mercies await us every morning. God faithfully sympathizes with our loss, has compassion for us, and hears our prayers.
Finding Strength in God’s Promises
Quote from Nicholas Sparks: “It’s possible to go on, no matter how impossible it seems, and that in time, the grief lessens. It may not go away completely, but after a while, it’s not so overwhelming.”
A Prayer in Waiting
Faithful God, I feel alone in my loss. Hear my prayer today for comfort in my sorrow. I need your mercies to face the day and get through what is ahead. I need your grace to hold me up. May I sense your compassionate presence with me. Amen.
Ways to respond to help you process grief and God’s faithfulness.
Respond: Thank God for new mercies each day.
Reflect: Listen to or read the words of the old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
Read: Psalm 36:5-12
Journal Prompt: Recall times when you have seen God’s faithfulness. List those times.
Check out what is new on my bookshelf.
I am a contributing author to Glimpses of God in Unexpected Places
Grace Offers Hope,
Leave a Reply