🎄 Devotional: When Grief Comes to the Table

 

🎄 Devotional: When Grief Comes to the Table

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” — Revelation 21:4
“Jesus wept.” — John 11:35

The holidays can feel like a contradiction—joy wrapped in sorrow, celebration shadowed by absence. While the world sparkles with lights and laughter, some hearts carry the weight of grief. An empty chair. A missing voice. A memory that stings.

We recently lost my father, and our hearts ache. The traditions feel quieter now. The days feel longer. But the comfort I hold onto is this: he’s not just in a better place—he’s in the best place. He is with Jesus. We were blessed that He was a God fearing man who served Jesus and left us with no doubt that he went to be with the Lord. 

Even when we know Christ, we still feel sorrow. We still feel loss. Sometimes we even feel anger. And that’s okay. Jesus Himself wept (John 11:35). He didn’t rush grief. He entered it. Sat with it. Carried it.

Grief is not a lack of faith—it’s a reflection of love.

But here’s the promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). He doesn’t ask us to pretend. He invites us to bring our brokenness to Him. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Through prayer, through tears, through the quiet reading of His Word, He meets us. And slowly, gently, He shifts our perspective—not to erase the pain, but to remind us that He is sovereign. That death is not the end. That eternity is real. That love never dies.

And one day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4). That day is coming. But until then, we grieve with hope.

So this season, if grief comes to your table, let it. Light a candle. Have a warm cup of coffee or tea sit down with your bible. Cry if you need to. And then let Jesus sit with you in the sorrow. Not to fix it, but to carry it. Wrap yourself up with a warm blanket and let it remind you of the love of God surrounding you. This Thanksgiving as Christmas approaches let us thank God for memories shared and reflect on the thoughts of God sending Jesus. 

Because Emmanuel means God with us. And that includes in the grieving.

 

Prayer: Lord,
This season feels tender.
I miss someone I love, and the ache is real.
Thank You for being near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Thank You for walking with me through the valley (Psalm 23:4).
Help me find comfort in Your Word,
peace in Your presence,
and hope in Your promises.
You are sovereign. You are good.
And You are with me—even here.
Amen.

If your grieving God is with you in the midst of your pain. If your not love on those who are grieving the bible talks about weeping with those that weep. Be gentle, be kind, be loving. Hug those around you this season and above all share the love of Jesus because one day we will all pass away. We are not taking anything with us to heaven, but if we are lucky we will lead others to Jesus.  

If you dont know Jesus today is the day of salvation dont wait. Death can be sudden and come upon us like a thief in the night. If you have not accepted God's salvation its simple admit your a sinner that you have done wrong, sin is simply the wrong things we have done that separate us from God. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and come be Lord of your life. Being Lord means really turning from sin and following Jesus. Best way to learn how to follow Jesus is open your Bible. Go to a healthy church and get around other Christians. 

Please if you need prayer contact us. 

If you made a decision for Christ or need a little guidance on starting a relationship with Jesus please reach out through our contact form at our store. Or write us at admin@designlifestudios or RobertandJennifer@ilovejesus.com