Sadness and grief are inevitable companions on this journey called life. At times, they come as uninvited guests, settling into our hearts and minds, leaving us feeling weighed down by sorrow and uncertainty. But even in the darkest moments, there is a light that never fades: the faithfulness of God.

In Lamentations 3:19-32, the prophet Jeremiah offers a raw and heartfelt expression of sorrow. He describes the bitterness of his affliction and wandering. Yet, amidst the pain, he clings to hope because of one unshakable truth: “It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.”

These words remind us that grief does not have the final say. Even when we feel crushed by the weight of sadness, God’s faithfulness sustains us. His mercies are new each day. They offer us a fresh start and the assurance that we are never abandoned in our suffering.

In moments of grief, it is natural to wonder if God hears our cries. The psalmist assures us in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. They are gathered tenderly by a loving Father who understands our pain. But what about the moments when words fail us? When our grief is so profound that we cannot articulate our prayers? This is where the Holy Spirit steps in.

In Romans 8:26-27, Paul writes, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” The Holy Spirit becomes our advocate. He translates the depth of our sorrow into prayers that align with God’s perfect will. When we cannot find the words, the Spirit speaks on our behalf, ensuring that our deepest needs and desires are brought before the throne of grace.

Grief has a way of distorting our perspective. It makes us believe we are alone and forgotten. Yet, Jeremiah’s words remind us that even when God allows us to endure seasons of sorrow, it is never without purpose. “For if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness and tender mercy” (Lamentations 3:32).

God’s faithfulness is unchanging. He is not a distant observer but an ever-present help. He walks with us through the valleys of life. His promises are our anchor, and His love is our refuge.

Waiting on God is not passive. It is an active demonstration of trust. Here are a few ways to remain steadfast in faith during seasons of sadness and grief:

1. Seek Him Daily: Spend time in prayer and the Word, even when it feels difficult. God’s promises will strengthen your heart and renew your hope.
2. Embrace Community: Lean on others who can pray with and for you. Grief is heavy, but it becomes lighter when shared.
3. Allow Yourself to Feel: It is okay to mourn and express your pain. God invites you to bring your whole self—tears, doubts, and all—into His presence.
4. Surrender to His Will: Trust that God’s plan is good, even when you cannot see it. Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you wait for His answers.

Sadness and grief are part of the human experience, but they are not the end of the story. We serve a God who redeems. Through faith, we find the strength to persevere, knowing that God’s faithfulness never fails. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. The Holy Spirit is our ever-present advocate, ensuring that our prayers are heard and answered in ways that align with God’s perfect will.

So, let us hold on to hope. We must trust the God who walks with us through the storm is the same God who will bring us into the light. His faithfulness is great, and His mercies are new every morning. In Him, there is always reason to hope.

Holding onto hope,

Coach Erika