Grief is an ache that settles deep in the heart, an overwhelming tide that seems impossible to bear. But in our sorrow, God offers us a refuge of compassion and love. Psalm 31:7 (NIV) reminds us of this beautiful truth:

“I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.”

These words from David affirm that God sees our pain. He does not ignore our suffering or expect us to carry it alone. Instead, He meets us in our grief, offering love, comfort, and the promise that we are never forgotten.

A Story of Strength in Sorrow: Harriet Tubman

One powerful example of finding strength in grief is the story of Harriet Tubman, the courageous abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor. Harriet endured immense suffering from a young age. Born into slavery, she experienced the pain of separation when her family members were sold away. As a young girl, she suffered a severe head injury that caused lifelong pain and seizures.

But one of the deepest wounds she carried was the grief of losing her sister to the slave trade. Harriet knew she might never see her sister again, and that pain weighed heavily on her soul. In those moments of anguish, she turned to God for strength. She was known for her deep faith and unwavering belief that God was guiding her steps. Even in the depths of sorrow, she clung to prayer and Scripture, finding comfort in the knowledge that God saw her affliction and knew the anguish of her soul.

Harriet did not let her grief consume her. Instead, she allowed it to fuel her mission to bring others to freedom. She made over a dozen trips back into slave territory, risking her life to rescue enslaved people—including members of her own family. Each time she faced fear and sorrow, she relied on God’s love to sustain her.

Her story is a powerful testament to Psalm 31:7—God not only sees our grief but also strengthens us through it. He does not waste our pain; He redeems it for His greater purpose.

Finding Comfort in Psalm 31:7

Like Harriet Tubman, we all face seasons of grief. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the pain of broken relationships, or the weight of past wounds, our sorrow is real—but so is God’s love. Psalm 31:7 reminds us that:

1. God sees our suffering – “You saw my affliction.” We are not alone in our pain.
2. God understands our sorrow – “You knew the anguish of my soul.” He does not minimize or ignore our grief.
3. God’s love is our refuge – “I will be glad and rejoice in your love.” Even in sorrow, His love sustains us.

A Prayer for Those Grieving

Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heavy heart. Thank You for seeing my pain and understanding the depths of my sorrow. Help me to trust in Your love, even when the grief feels unbearable. Strengthen me as You strengthened those before me, and let my heart find rest in Your presence. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Grief is a heavy burden, but God’s love is greater. He does not promise a life without sorrow, but He does promise to be with us through it. As Harriet Tubman’s story reminds us, God can take even our deepest pain and use it for good. If you are grieving today, hold onto the truth of Psalm 31:7—God sees you, knows your pain, and will never leave you.

— The Clay Pot Misfit