Grief is a journey that shapes us, sometimes in ways we never expected. It can feel like an endless night, but God’s love is the dawn that always comes. Even when sorrow weighs heavy, Psalm 31:7 (NIV) reminds us of God’s constant presence:

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

God doesn’t just acknowledge our pain—He understands it. He doesn’t just see our grief—He walks through it with us. And through His love, we find strength, even in the darkest moments.

A Story of Strength in Loss: Nelson Mandela

One of the greatest examples of resilience in the face of suffering is Nelson Mandela. While not American, his fight for justice and endurance through loss deeply impacted the world, including the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison, unjustly punished for standing against apartheid in South Africa. During those years, he endured the unimaginable—separation from his family, the deaths of loved ones, and brutal treatment. The grief of missing his children grow up, the pain of losing his mother while behind bars, and the loneliness of confinement could have broken him.

But Mandela found strength in faith. He once said, “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

Though his situation was unjust, he trusted that God saw his affliction and the anguish of his soul. He allowed his suffering to shape him into a leader of peace, not hatred. Instead of becoming bitter, he chose forgiveness, hope, and perseverance.

Trusting God in Our Own Grief

Mandela’s story teaches us that grief does not have to be the end of our story. God does not let suffering be wasted—He can use even our hardest seasons for good. Psalm 31:7 reassures us that:

1. God acknowledges our pain – “You saw my affliction.” Our suffering does not go unnoticed.
2. God understands our sorrow – “You knew the anguish of my soul.” He knows the depth of our grief better than anyone.
3. God’s love sustains us – “I will be glad and rejoice in your love.” His love gives us the strength to move forward, even when it feels impossible.

A Prayer for Those Still Grieving

Heavenly Father, I come to You in my grief, seeking Your comfort. Thank You for seeing my pain and understanding my sorrow. Help me to trust in Your love and find strength in Your presence. Carry me through this season, just as You have carried so many before me. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Grief is heavy, but God’s love is stronger. Like Nelson Mandela, we can hold onto faith even in the darkest moments, knowing that God sees us, understands us, and will never leave us. If you are grieving today, remember Psalm 31:7—you are not alone.

— The Clay Pot Misfit