Comfort: Day 4

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.
Psalm 77:2 NRSV

Thought

In grief you learn to understand your would-be comforters, those who try to console you with empty words or gestures. You expect others to know what you are feeling, but it is not possible. For a while your soul may refuse to be comforted. You alone appreciate the depth of your personal experience of grief. The truth is that no one can comfort you to your expectations; nor can you grieve to the expectations of another. Grief is not a job with a performance standard. Comfort is yours to reject or receive.

Prayer

God, this is surely the day of my trouble. I seek you in the dark night of grief. Give me strength to seek your comfort with tireless, outstretched hands and heart. Amen.

Assurance

As I grieve, I am comforted by the presence of God.