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

We received another one of “those” calls. No matter your age, you likely know what I’m talking about. It’s often “too early” or “too late” for the phone to be ringing—so you sense something is wrong. You answer, hoping beyond hope that you’re wrong. But then you hear it: A family member or friend on the other end of the line, usually in that empty, still-in-shock voice, informs you a loved one has died.

Like many of you, I’ve had a lot of loss in my life. I’ve been on the receiving end of those calls about my mother, father, and one of my two brothers…let alone the countless family members and friends of all ages. This latest one came from my husband’s best friend telling him that their 23-year-old son was gone. A young man, but still their child. And my heart tore in two at the unfathomable grief of our sweet friends. They are brokenhearted and crushed.

As I woke up to a new day, I was instantly reminded of their loss and pain—again, unable to imagine the new waves of grief crashing down on them this morning.

But the Holy Spirit also brought to my mind another One—One who knows soul-crushing anguish. One who came from Heaven to earth, experiencing human pain, suffering, temptation, and grief to sympathize with us…and, ultimately, take it all away from us. Jesus. The Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. With that, as you and I face terrible news (or any pain and heartache)—and our own words fail—let’s turn to the comfort and truth of  God’s Word.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Certainly, goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23

(Jesus said,) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:11, 16

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Peter 1:18-21

“Father God, be near to the brokenhearted. And to those who are both hurt and lost, save them. Give them peace with You so they can experience peace through the pain of this world.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life