Scripture Reading: Psalm 46

As I look around me there seems to be a lot of suffering in the lives of others. My husband and I were remarking recently that our prayer list keeps growing! There are those with incurable cancers being added all the time, those who have lost a child or parent, or spouse.

Then there are those who grieve over what could have been, should have been; mostly wayward children and parents estranged from their children and grandchildren.

Grief comes in so many shapes and sizes. There’s not a “one size fits all” answer to be found! Each of us suffer at times, and each of us will experience grief. Our stories will probably be as different as we are, BUT I have learned we can give thanks in our suffering.

Now hold on, before you go off thinking I’ve lost my mind, I was thinking the same when I first read this by, Octavius Winslow,

This statement peeked my curiosity and set me on a journey to find out what is so precious about grief.

God is our refuge and strength,    a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah ^…. “Be still, and know that I am God.    I will be exalted among the nations,    I will be exalted in the earth!”The Lord of hosts is with us;    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah –Ps 46:1-3,10,11