Jesus promises us peace. But our faith can be shaken when we are faced with devastating news, and peace suddenly seems unattainable. After the loss of a loved one, we can experience profound emptiness and loneliness that can be overwhelming. After the sudden passing of my daughter, the crushing weight of grief was unbearable. Peace seemed impossible as I struggled to cope with the pain.

God created us with emotions and understands the pain we are experiencing, better than anyone around us can. When we feel alone, he is there to listen. We can pour out our hearts to him in prayer, and he never grows tired of hearing from us. We can find great comfort in his word, and meditate on the scriptures throughout the day.

As believers we want to say “not my will but yours be done”, but that does not come easily or automatically. It takes time and effort to reach that point. It is not a linear process; you may take a few steps forward only to find yourself going backwards for a while. You may find that people try to rush you along, or even judge you for not yet having arrived to a place of peace and acceptance.

As I have traveled along this grief journey I have found that without God I will never be at peace. He alone can bring comfort to my heart, just as he promises.