Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

We all grieve differently and over various things… the loss of a home, a pet, a job, a friend, retirement, and then of course the loss of loved ones through death.  Whatever the loss, grief can be heavy and difficult to navigate.  Psalm 6 is a short chapter but its focus is on the faithfulness of God to restore that which we have lost. 

David speaks of his bones being in agony in verse 2.  Maybe you can relate to this depth of pain that David is feeling.  In this Psalm, he is crying out for mercy from his anguish and pain.

Going through seasons of grief can be ever-changing.  There are so many responses to grief, and often, the intensity of the loss may wax and wane over and over.  

When you are enduring a season of grief, it can often be accompanied by physical sickness and pain.  Just like David spoke about the agony of his bones, perhaps your loss makes you feel physically sick or weak.  Whatever you’re feeling, ask God to help you carry the burden.  You are not alone.  He is always with you.  

So many times through loss, we feel abandoned and so alone. The normal things of our world may look a little different.  Right after losing a significant person, people may come to spend time with you to make sure you are okay and hold you close.  Soon after, however, you may feel forgotten and alone.  God will never abandon you nor forsake you.  Even when you feel sad, He is near.

If you are in a season of grieving, pray that God puts someone in your path to help lighten your load.  If you are not in this season right now, reach out to someone who may be struggling with loss.  Let them know how you can help.  To hear someone say, “Hey, God put you on my heart and I am praying for you,” goes a long way in someone else’s time of need.  Be intentional to show God’s love to a friend today.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
• Prayer: Dear God, we suffer loss in many seasons. Sometimes, the loss seems overwhelming.  You, dear Lord, know the depths of our pain.  God, sit with us in our sadness.  Remind us of the joy that will come. Help us to recognize that those who come to sit with us do so through your love.  It is in your most Holy name that we ask these things.  Amen.