When we sustain loss

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – PSALM 34:18

When Thomas Dorsey’s wife died in childbirth, he was devastated. Not only did he love her, but he totally depended on her to take care of the child. Then, his grief was compounded with the death of the little baby who had also struggled at birth.

He cried out, “Lord, why did this have to happen to me?” And then after walking in the darkness of frustration, he sat down at an old upright piano and began to voice the prayer of his heart, singing the words softly to the tune of a then popular melody. He intoned, “Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”

Whether it is the loss of one you love, the loss of a baby or a child yet unborn, your husband or wife, or a close friend, your heart grieves, but one of the questions that always confronts those who suffer is this: “Does God care? Is He really aware of what is happening? Or is He indifferent to the whole matter?”

Heaven lost a Son, and we gained a Savior. Rarely do we ever think of Christmas in terms of the Father who knew what would happen as His Son left the portals of heaven and came to Earth. He knew what the end would be – the suffering and passion of crucifixion as well as the joy He would bring to the hearts of those who suffer.

God knows your pain and heartache. God cares. And God sees your tears. As the psalmist wrote, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18, NKJV). May you, too, feel His presence in the darkness.