Close as The Mention of His Name

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I have walked some really dark roads these past few years. I lost my mother-in-law, mom, father-in-law and my dad's fiancée in a very short period. It seemed just as we were trying to process one loss, another hit. It was heartbreaking, very painful, confusing and extremely difficult for our family. Our family was left wondering when will this end? It was a LOT to take in. We were clearly not prepared for grief and loss of this magnitude. 

Many of my friends are experiencing some very dark times right now as well. Words fail. Nothing I could say or do can dry their tears or heal their hearts. I feel so inadequate, but I do know how it feels to lose someone you love so much.

Losing my mom has been by far the hardest for me. It is a loss that lingers and has truly left me different than I was before. I saw someone that resembled her this weekend and immediately burst into tears. Grief is like that. It brings us to our knees time and time again. Although we may feel alone, as a believer, we are never truly alone. There is hope for the broken hearted. 

In Psalms 34:18 it says: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Let's unpack that together.

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He is close by

Jesus stays when others leave. He walks in when others walk out. This verse says he is close to the brokenhearted. He feels our pain and he holds our hand through it all. I have always been touched by the poem Footprints where it talks of when there was only one set of footprints, that is when he was carrying us. He isn't going anywhere. Sometimes we are surprised who is there for us during our darkest days. Those we thought we could count on sometimes let us down. That is so disappointing. Jesus will never let us down. His word says he will NEVER leave us or forsake us and that is so reassuring because during our toughest trials we need him more than ever. 

He is our rescuer

Jesus never promised to take our hard times away. I have prayed for that time and time again in my own life, but it doesn't work that way. He rescues us but not always in the way we would like or at the time we would hope.

We can run to him when our hearts are heavy or when we just can't take another loss or disappointment. In his arms we find comfort and respite from a broken world. When we spend time in his presence, we are not the same. He empowers us with his strength to carry on another day.  
 
If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to invite him into your life. He will be by your side like no friend you have ever known and bring you peace even in the lowest of valleys. He is as close to you as the mention of his name. If you need prayer, please do not hesitate to reach out. It would be my honour to pray for you and walk beside you during your tough times. 

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Dear Heavenly Father, 
I thank you as your word says that you are near to the broken hearted. I pray for all my dear friends who are going through times of unspeakable loss and heartbreak. Bring them comfort Lord, the comfort that only you can bring. Although they may feel alone, I pray that they will feel your presence like never before. Lift them up Lord. Hold them close. Let them know that they WILL come through this, 
 
In Jesus' name, 
Amen 
 
Sending you a virtual hug, 
 
Dana 

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, author, social worker, blogger and speaker. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or writing, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books. ​

Tags: God's peace, grief and loss, comfort in trials

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