“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

This is an unprecedented and undeniably difficult time in history. Almost everyone is affected in some aspect during this trying time. A result has been wide-reaching talk about fear. But, is it fear or is it something else? I’d argue for some, that it is. I believe that some people haven’t sat with their feelings long enough to understand that what they call fear may carry a different name – grief. We are literally experiencing global grief. Before the impact of current events and this virus, the Lord began to take me on a journey to better understand grief. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I believe that I was being trained for such a time as this. I sense that what many call fear is actually grief. I believe that much of the unkind behavior people are encountering is stifled grief.

I sense that much of the struggle and the worry is rooted in a lack of knowing how to appropriately grieve the losses we’ve so suddenly experienced. We as a culture aren’t particularly well acquainted with how to grieve well – healthfully. The Lord, however, is! When we call our many emotions by their true name – grief – the Lord comes alongside us and helps us. He directs us so we know just what to do with it all. He comforts us. He makes order out of disorder. He assures us that what we’ve lost will, in some way, be redeemed.

During this time if you find yourself feeling more physically tired than normal, give yourself grace, it’s grief. If your kids are short-tempered or more cranky than normal, consider how much they’ve lost – it’s grief. If, you need to cry, ache, and question why, go to the Lord. He’s waiting with arms wide open! Confess, “Lord, this grief! Help me to mourn well and grieve with you, God.” Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. He will comfort you, it’s Who He is, He IS the Comforter. I pray that during this time you are gentle with yourself and gentle with others. Grieve well and help them do the same. May God’s grace and mercy rest on you all.