Category Archives: God’s Compassion

May27

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn: Divine Comfort for the Brokenhearted

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“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

I’ve read this verse (Matthew 5:4) many times, but only now—walking through a deep valley of grief—do I feel its truth in a way I never had before.

My husband recently passed away. Saying those words still doesn’t feel real. The sorrow comes in waves, sometimes crashing so hard it knocks the breath out of me. Other times, it’s a dull ache that simply lingers in the background of daily life. The kind of mourning Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount isn’t theoretical to me anymore—it’s present, and it’s personal.

For years, I couldn’t fully grasp how those who mourn could be blessed. Loss doesn’t feel like a blessing. Grief certainly doesn’t. But now I’m beginning to understand: the blessing isn’t in the loss—it’s in the comfort that follows.

I’ve felt that comfort poured out in beautiful and unexpected ways—from cards and phone calls that arrived at just the right moment, to text messages that reminded me I wasn’t alone, to meals left on our doorstep, and flowers that brightened a heavy day. Friends from all seasons of life—some near, some far— have shown up to offer help and support in this time of great sorrow. Through their presence, they have wrapped us in love and shared the burden of our sorrow. And there’s something deeply divine and holy about that kind of comfort. It feels like the very hands and feet of Jesus showing up in ordinary people who carry His extraordinary love.

Jesus knew the sting of loss. He wept when His friend Lazarus died. Even knowing He would raise Lazarus back to life, He entered into that moment of human sorrow and pain. He didn’t shy away from grief—He felt it. That’s the kind of Savior we have. Not distant. Not detached. But present. Tender. Compassionate.

When Jesus spoke these words—“Blessed are those who mourn”—it probably didn’t make sense to many in the crowd. It might not make sense to some even now. But I believe He was giving us a sacred promise: that we are not alone in our grief. That God’s nearness is most deeply felt when our hearts are most broken.

If you’re walking through a season of loss right now, please know this — God sees your tears, He holds your heart, and He will comfort you, often in unexpected and divinely soul-stirring ways. Even in your sorrow, God is near. The Comforter has not forgotten you. He draws especially close to those who are hurting.

Even in mourning, we are held. And somehow, even here, we are blessed.

A Prayer for Today:

In this time of sorrow, please remind us that You are near. Thank You for the people You send to wrap us in love and remind us we are not alone. Let Your presence fill the empty spaces, and help us feel Your arms around us even when the grief feels too heavy to bear. We trust that You are close to the brokenhearted, and we rest in Your promise to comfort those who mourn.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Verses for Comfort in Grief:

  • Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
  • Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)
    “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
    “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…”
  • John 11:35 (NIV)
    “Jesus wept.”
  • Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
    “‘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.”

Feb14

Loved Beyond Measure: A Divine Valentine

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“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Valentine’s Day can be a joyful occasion for some, but for others, it may bring feelings of loneliness or longing. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or finding yourself alone today, know this: you are never truly alone, because you are deeply loved by God. His love is steadfast, unchanging, and far greater than anything this world can offer.

A Love Beyond Measure

God’s love isn’t based on fleeting emotions or human conditions. It is constant, unwavering, and sacrificial. The world’s love can be imperfect, but God’s love is perfect and complete. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) This kind of love isn’t earned; it is freely given.

From the very beginning, God has pursued us with His love. He loved us before we ever knew Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us and restore our relationship with Him. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, His love never fails. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

When we truly grasp the depth of God’s love, it changes us. His love gives us security, identity, and purpose. It empowers us to love others selflessly, as He has loved us. On this Valentine’s Day, whether you are celebrating with a spouse, family, or friends—or even if you feel alone—know this: You are deeply loved by God.

Reflection:

Take a moment to reflect on God’s incredible love for you. How can you show His love to others today? Love is more than a feeling—it’s an action. Send a kind message, extend grace, forgive freely, or simply remind someone that they are loved.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your perfect and unfailing love. On this Valentine’s Day, help me to rest in the truth that I am fully known and deeply loved by You. Let Your love flow through me so that I can share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Encouragement:

  • John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind…”
  • Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Dec27

When You Can’t Find Words, God Hears Your Heart

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There are moments in life when finding the right words to pray feels impossible. Sometimes, the weight of our circumstances leaves us speechless. Whether we’re facing overwhelming challenges, dealing with a heartbreaking loss, or feeling lonely and disconnected from those around us, it can seem as though the words to pray simply aren’t there. When the heaviness in your heart makes it hard to know what to say to God, it’s comforting to know that God hears our hearts — even when words fail us.

“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.” Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

A God Who Understands Even Our Silence

This powerful passage reminds us that when we’re at a loss for words, the Holy Spirit is there, interceding on our behalf. God, who searches our hearts, understands the deepest cries of our soul, even when we can’t articulate them. When we are weak and unable to pray as we should, the Spirit steps in, offering our prayers to God with perfect understanding and in perfect accordance with His will.

Think about that for a moment—the Creator of the universe not only hears our words but listens attentively to the silent groans of our hearts. Whether our prayers are eloquent or unspoken, whether we cry out in desperation or sit in quiet surrender, God hears us. And He is always at work, responding in ways that are best for us.

God Hears You, Even in Your Silence

When words escape you, when the grief or confusion feels too heavy to bear, remember this: God hears your heart. The Holy Spirit is interceding for you, and God’s love and attention never fail. You are never truly alone in your struggles, even when you can’t find the right words to say.

So, when you feel lost in your prayers, take comfort in knowing that the Spirit is speaking for you, bringing your heart’s cries to God. You don’t have to have the perfect words—just an open heart, and God will meet you there.

Even when you can’t find the words, God is listening. He hears your heart.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being a God who hears our hearts, even when we can’t find the words to pray. When we are overwhelmed or weary, help us to rest in the truth that You are always near, listening and interceding on our behalf. Holy Spirit, thank You for lifting our silent prayers to the Father. Please give us peace in knowing that You understand our deepest needs. We trust in Your love, Your care, and Your perfect will for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses:

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

Psalm 116: 1 – 2 (TLB): “I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!”

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Nov22

Empowering Family Caregivers with Faith, Love, and Hope

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November is National Family Caregiver Month, a time to honor and celebrate the selfless dedication of those who care for their loved ones with love and compassion.

The role of family caregivers often goes unrecognized, but your unwavering dedication and loving actions are deeply valued in God’s eyes. Love is the fuel that powers your caregiving, inspiring you to rise each morning with a heart full of compassion — to comfort, listen, and be present, even on the most challenging days. Let this love remind you of the boundless love God has for you. He equips you with strength and grace to keep pouring into others even when your own cup feels empty.

Every act of kindness and sacrifice you make is a reflection of His grace through you. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and hope in your “labor of love”: “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Your endurance and hope are not just admirable, but they are also a source of inspiration for others.

This journey can be long and challenging, but your faith in the Lord can sustain you. Remember, you are never alone; God walks beside you, providing peace, resilience, and strength. You have an immeasurable impact on your loved one’s life as a vessel of God’s love, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Dear caregivers, take heart—your efforts are not in vain. They are seen and deeply appreciated. Let’s lift each other up in prayer, encouraging one another as we navigate this beautiful yet challenging journey together.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding us that our caregiving efforts matter to You. Please bless all the caregivers reading this today with strength and endurance as they navigate their journey. Fill their hearts with hope and remind them that their labor is not in vain. You see their efforts and honor their sacrifices. Surround them with Your love and give them moments of rest and renewal. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  1. Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
  2. Colossians 3: 23 – 24 (NIV): “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Nov16

God’s Whispers in the Storm: A Lifeline in Troubled Times

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God’s Word often shines brightest in our darkest seasons of life. When our circumstances feel overwhelming, His promises, whispered through Scripture, carry a sweetness that we might not fully appreciate in easier times. Like manna in the wilderness, His Word sustains us and nourishes our weary souls.

In Psalm 119:143, the psalmist reveals this profound truth: “Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish, I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me.” Troubles can weigh heavily on our hearts, but this verse provides a glimmer of hope to help lighten our burdens.

It’s often in hardships that we discover the depths of God’s faithfulness. The same verse that comforts us today may have seemed ordinary when life was simpler, but now it is a lifeline. The sweetness of His Word reminds us that He is near, He understands our pain, and He will carry us through.

If you feel overwhelmed with troubles today, open God’s Word and allow His promises to speak to your heart. You may find His truth tastes sweeter than ever before.

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
  • “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, When my troubles overwhelm me, and my heart feels heavy, help me find peace in Your Word. Instead of focusing on the stormy circumstances swirling around in my life, remind me of your faithfulness and help me find strength in Your truth. Thank you for being close to the brokenhearted. May Your power be made perfect in my weakness. Please fill me with Your peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jul22

Tears in a Bottle

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 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8 NLT)

God loves you so much and is attentive to every detail of your life. Not only does He know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), but He also cares so deeply about whatever painful circumstance you are going through that He collects your tears in a bottle and records each one in His book.

  • Your tears matter to God because YOU matter to God!

No other animal has the ability to shed emotional tears like humans, and I have often wondered what God was thinking when He decided to upgrade us with the capability of crying.

Recently I learned that our tears have different chemical makeups depending on the purpose behind the tears. For example, happy tears are chemically different from tears caused by heartbreak or grief. Similarly, tears caused by pain (like the ones a child cries when he skins his knee) are different than the ones we shed if we are slicing an onion or have an irritant in our eye.1

I found it even more fascinating that emotional tears have a high concentration of stress hormones, so our bodies are ridding themselves of toxins with each of those teardrops. Additionally, when we cry for an extended amount of time, our body releases extra “feel good” hormones – oxytocin and endorphins – that can help relieve both physical and emotional pain, allowing us to become more relaxed and providing us with a sense of comfort and calm, like a natural “painkiller.”

  • When the Creator of the universe hand-crafted humans, He equipped us with “release valves” for times when life becomes too overwhelming for us to hold it all inside.

Scripture also tells us, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5 NIV) This verse gives me hope that all our sorrowful tears are like tiny seeds, and one day they will produce a harvest of joy.

  • Our suffering is never wasted. God can bring a harvest of good from even the worst circumstances. (Romans 8:28)

Although God never promised that life here on earth would be without pain, suffering, …and tears, He does promise that He will one day wipe away every tear from the eyes of His children. “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17 ESV)

In heaven, believers will find eternal peace and comfort with our Savior. There will be no more pain, no more sickness, no more heartbreak, no more grief, no more death, and no more tears…because we will no longer need them!

  • Our Heavenly Father will wipe the last of our tears from our eyes when we arrive in our glorious eternal home.

Dear friend, if you are experiencing a painful season in your life, God sees you and cares about each teardrop that falls from your eyes. Trust that God loves you and can use even the most heartbreaking circumstances to bring about something good for His children. “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17 ESV)

Related Verses:

"Since you are so much more precious to God than a thousand flocks of sparrows, and since God knows you in every detail—down to the number of hairs on your head at this moment—you can be secure and unafraid of any person, and you have nothing to fear from God either." (Luke 12:7 VOICE)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)
"Jesus wept." John 11:35 (NIV)
1https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-microscopic-structures-of-dried-human-tears-180947766/

Aug16

I Am…and so are YOU

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Butterfly in Hands

“But by the Grace of God, 

I am what I am…”

1 Corinthians 15:10

I am…

I keep a list in my journal which I have entitled “I am…” I add to the list as I read God’s word and come across verses that remind me of who “I am” as a child of God. Sometimes during my quiet time, especially when I am feeling less than significant, I turn to the list and read aloud, taking time to grasp the meaning of each phrase as it pertains to my relationship with my Heavenly Father. No circumstance will ever change the way He feels about me. By reminding myself of who I am in Christ, I am encouraged, inspired and energized to begin my day living out the divine purpose for which I was created.

…and so are YOU!

The beauty of the list is that it is not unique to me. Anyone who is a child of God is included in these promises. He cares about EACH of His children the same way. Below are a few items on the list. Read them out loud to yourself as His child, taking time to absorb the significance of each phrase. Before you read each phrase, repeat the words, “I am…” to personalize them to your relationship with your Heavenly Father. These promises capture a glimpse of the essence of how God feels about you, and they are all found in His word.

                        “I am…”

  • Created for a unique and special purpose
  • Fearfully and Wonderfully made
  • A unique workmanship hand crafted by God
  • A precious and treasured possession of my Heavenly Father
  • Valuable
  • Forgiven
  • Secure in Him
  • A Child of the King of Kings
  • Ransomed, Redeemed and Saved by Grace
  • Shielded and Protected by God and His Angels
  • Bought with a price
  • Accepted in His Son
  • Surrounded by God
  • Engraved upon His hand
  • The apple of His eye
  • Quieted and Comforted With His Love
  • Rejoiced over with joyful singing
  • The one in whom God takes Great Delight
  • Chosen by the God of the Universe
  • Gently Led by God
  • Loved Eternally by my Heavenly Father

“See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” Isaiah 49:16

Sep16

Every New Day is a Second Chance

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Every New Day

 

 

“Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
Great is Your Faithfulness!”
Lamentations 3:21 – 23
 

Every sunrise serves as a shining ray of hope, reminding God’s children about His inexhaustible supply of love and mercy ~ they are new every morning.

To fully comprehend this continually renewable resource of divine mercy, here are a few ways to define it:

  • kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation
  • a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
  • kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly
  • compassionate treatment of those in distress

So if you’re in a desperate situation in need of a “second chance,” be encouraged to know that the Father of mercy compassionately dispenses daily acts of divine favor, and there will never be a shortage of His kindness and forgiveness. As constant as the waves rolling into the seashore, His mercies are new every morning, and they won’t ever come to an end. The situation is never hopeless when you place your hope in the Great Faithfulness of your compassionate and gracious Heavenly Father.

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” Exodus 34:6
 “The Lord within her is righteous; He does no wrong. Morning by morning He dispenses his justice, and every new day He does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.” Zephaniah 3:5
Mar21

When There Are No Words

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Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights.
No one said a word to Job,
for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.
Job 2:13 (NLT)
 
 

Have you ever seen a friend or loved one suffering so greatly that the situation was too difficult for words?  You wish you could do something to help, but there’s noting you can do or say that will make things different or take the terrible pain away?  Often when the trouble is so extreme, we don’t know what to do, so we simply do nothing.  Yet in the book of Job we find a great example of what to do for a friend who is suffering like this:

 Three of Job’s friends heard of all the trouble that had fallen on him. Each traveled from his own country—Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuhah, Zophar from Naamath—and went together to Job to keep him company and comfort him. When they first caught sight of him, they couldn’t believe what they saw—they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. Then they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and nights they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering.  Job 2:11-13 (MSG) 
 

When Job’s friends heard of the tragedy that had occurred in his life, they all came together to be with their friend.  The distance didn’t matter to them.  What mattered was the fact that their dear friend was hurting, and they gathered to keep him company and comfort him.  When they finally got to their friend’s side and saw his terrible condition, they were overcome with grief for him, and they wept with him.  And even though there was absolutely nothing they could do or say to take away Job’s pain or remove the torment he felt, they simply sat by his side for seven days and nights without saying a word.  This was one of those times in life when no words were necessary…just the silent, comforting presence of precious friends.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles,

so that we can comfort those in any trouble

with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1: 3  – 4

Feb23

God Bends Down To Hear Your Prayers

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I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them.
Because He bends down and listens,
I will pray as long as I breathe!  
Psalm 116:1 – 2 TLB
 

Imagine this scene:  “He bends down and listens”…the Creator of the Universe bends down from heaven to hear the prayer you whisper from your lips…the King of Glory stoops down from His throne to incline His ear to your request…your loving Heavenly Father leans down close enough to listen to the words of His precious child….

This awe-inspiring scene is actually our reality.  The blessed truth is that your prayer will always reach God’s ear.  He knows your unique voice, and He hears each plea, request, and petition.  He listens carefully to each prayer of adoration, thanks and supplication.  Not only does He hear your prayers, but He also answers them. He doesn’t always answer them exactly how we think they should be answered, but He answers them according to His best for you.

If you are lonely, God is near.  If you are discouraged, God is listening.  If you are worried, God is attentive to your cares.  If you are afraid, God hears your pleas for help.  If you are heartbroken, God is leaning close enough to hear your cries.

“I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them…”  Because of this amazing truth, “I will pray as long as I breathe!”