God’s Presence in Our Grief (Part 2)

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

God sees us. He knows the depths of our grief. And just as He has carried countless others through loss, He promises to carry us too.

A Story of Faith Through Loss: Coretta Scott King

One powerful example of strength in grief is the story of Coretta Scott King,

the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Though known for her quiet yet powerful activism, she was also a woman who endured immense personal loss.

Grief is not a journey that ends quickly. It lingers, weaving through our days and nights, often resurfacing when we least expect it. But in the midst of sorrow, God’s love remains constant, steadying us as we navigate the pain. Psalm 31:7 (NIV) continues to remind us of this truth:

When Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, Coretta was left to raise their four children alone while also carrying the weight of his legacy. In an instant, she lost not only her husband but also her closest partner in faith and purpose. Her grief was overwhelming, yet she did not allow it to paralyze her.

Instead, she turned to God for strength. Just days after her husband’s death, she stood before a grieving nation, advocating for peace and justice—values deeply rooted in her faith. Through prayer, Scripture, and an unwavering belief that God still had a purpose for her life, she found the courage to move forward.

Coretta did not suppress her sorrow; she allowed herself to grieve. But she also trusted that God saw her pain and would sustain her. She dedicated the rest of her life to continuing the work she and her husband had started, proving that grief does not have to define us—it can also refine us.

Trusting God in Our Own Grief

Coretta Scott King’s story teaches us that grief and purpose can coexist. God does not rush our healing, but He does walk with us through it. Psalm 31:7 reassures us that:

  1. God acknowledges our pain“You saw my affliction.” Our grief matters to Him.
  2. God understands our sorrow“You knew the anguish of my soul.” He does not dismiss or minimize our heartbreak.
  3. God’s love sustains us“I will be glad and rejoice in your love.” Even when joy feels distant, His love remains near.

A Prayer for Those Still Grieving

Heavenly Father, I come to You with my broken heart. Thank You for seeing my pain and understanding the depths of my sorrow. Help me to trust in Your love, even when grief feels unbearable. Strengthen me as You strengthened those before me, and remind me that I am never alone. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Grief is not something to “get over”—it’s something to walk through. And as we walk, God walks with us. He sees our pain, just as He saw Coretta’s. He knows our sorrow, just as He knew David’s. And He loves us too much to leave us there.

If you are grieving today, hold onto the truth of Psalm 31:7—God sees you, knows your pain, and will never leave you.

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— The Clay Pot Misfit

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God’s Unfailing Compassion in Our Grief

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

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God’s Steady Hand in Our Grief

Devotional Blog: God’s Steady Hand in Our Grief

Grief is a storm that can shake us to our core. It often leaves us feeling lost, afraid, and uncertain about how to move forward. In these moments, the words of Isaiah 41:10 offer a profound promise of hope and comfort:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When grief threatens to overwhelm us, God reminds us that we don’t have to face it alone. He promises to be with us, to strengthen us, and to uphold us—even when we feel too weak to stand on our own.

The Power of Being Upheld

The life of American poet Harriet Beecher Stowe, best known for her book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, is a profound example of God’s comfort and strength in grief. In 1849, Harriet’s young son Samuel Charles, nicknamed Charley, died from cholera. The loss devastated her, leaving her in deep sorrow and questioning how she could move forward.

During this time, Harriet turned to her faith. She often wrote in her letters about how scripture gave her solace. Verses like Isaiah 41:10 reminded her that God’s hand was holding her steady in her sorrow. Reflecting on her grief, Harriet later said, “The loss of my little boy taught me more of what it is to be a mother than all my other children. It showed me how helpless I was and how much I needed God’s help.”

Out of her grief, Harriet found a new purpose. Her experience with loss deepened her empathy for the suffering of others, particularly enslaved families who endured unimaginable losses. This inspired her to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a book that not only became a powerful anti-slavery message but also a testament to God’s ability to bring purpose out of pain.

Harriet’s story reminds us that grief does not have to be the end. Even in our darkest moments, God’s promise to strengthen and uphold us can give us the courage to keep moving forward.

Finding Comfort in Isaiah 41:10

God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10 is not that we won’t face hardship, but that we won’t face it without Him. He doesn’t expect us to be strong on our own or to have all the answers. Instead, He invites us to lean on His strength and trust His unfailing presence.

When you feel like you can’t keep going, remember these three truths from Isaiah 41:10:

  1. You are not alone: “For I am with you.” Even in your darkest moments, God’s presence surrounds you.
  2. You are not helpless: “I will strengthen you and help you.” God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, giving us what we need to endure.
  3. You are upheld: “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even when you stumble, God will not let you fall.

A Prayer for the Grieving

Lord, grief feels so heavy, and sometimes I don’t know how I’ll make it through. Thank You for reminding me that I am not alone. Help me to trust in Your promise to strengthen and uphold me. Give me the courage to take one step at a time, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

Closing Thoughts

Grief may feel like an ocean, but God’s righteous right hand is steady and strong, anchoring us through the storm. As you walk through your season of sorrow, cling to His promise: you are not alone, you are loved, and He will carry you through—just as He did for Harriet Beecher Stowe. Out of our deepest pain, God can bring hope, healing, and even a new purpose.

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Finding Hope in Grief through Resurrection Power

Key text :  Ephesians 1:19-20

“And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Grief is one of the heaviest burdens the heart can bear. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even a season of life, the weight of sorrow can feel suffocating. In moments like these, we need a reminder that we are not alone in our pain—and that hope is closer than we think.

In Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul writes:

“…his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”

This verse is a lifeline for the grieving soul. It reminds us that the same power that conquered death and brought Christ out of the grave is alive and available to us. This power is not just for extraordinary moments; it’s for the quiet, broken places where we feel most fragile.

The Power of Resurrection in Our Grief

Grief often feels like a death of its own—a loss of joy, connection, or even faith. But resurrection power means that God specializes in bringing life to what feels lifeless. The same God who transformed the darkness of the tomb into the light of an empty grave can bring hope to the darkest corners of your heart.

This doesn’t mean your grief will vanish overnight. It means that God’s power is present to strengthen you as you navigate your sorrow. It means you can face each day knowing that you are upheld by the same love and strength that defeated death itself.

How to Embrace God’s Power in Grief

1. Acknowledge Your Pain

God isn’t asking you to deny your grief or rush through it. Jesus Himself wept at the grave of Lazarus, even though He knew resurrection was coming. Bring your pain honestly to God, knowing He understands.

2. Lean into His Word

Let verses like Ephesians 1:19-20 remind you of the power and hope that are available through Christ. Write them down, meditate on them, and let them anchor your heart.

3. Look for Small Resurrections

In grief, resurrection often comes in small ways: the warmth of a friend’s hug, the beauty of a sunrise, or a moment of peace in prayer. These are reminders that life is still present and that God is with you in the details.

4. Pray for Strength

Ask God to help you experience His power in your weakness. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is within you, providing comfort, peace, and the strength to keep moving forward.

A Prayer for the Grieving

Lord, I feel the weight of grief pressing down on my heart. Some days, it feels impossible to move forward. Thank You for reminding me that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in me. Help me to trust in Your strength when I feel weak and to cling to the hope of resurrection in every area of my life. Bring comfort to my soul and remind me that even in sorrow, Your love and power are constant. Amen.

Grief is a journey, but it doesn’t have to be walked alone. The resurrection power of Christ is with you, working in ways you may not see yet. Trust that God is faithful to bring beauty from ashes and life from loss.

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Comforted to Comfort Others – Part 2

Key Scripture:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

In our journey of grief, we often feel the weight of our pain pressing down on us. The loss, heartache, and emptiness can be overwhelming. It’s during these times that God reminds us of the importance of community, of bearing one another’s burdens. We are not meant to walk through grief alone. Just as God comforts us in our darkest moments, He calls us to offer that same compassion and support to those around us.

Carrying each other’s burdens does not mean that we have all the answers or that we can fix what is broken. It means being present, listening without judgment, and walking alongside others in their pain. It is about sharing the load, even when words fail. In doing so, we reflect the love of Christ, who bore the weight of our sin and pain out of His deep love for us.

When we reach out to comfort others in their grief, we often find that our own wounds begin to heal in unexpected ways. It doesn’t erase the loss or make everything better, but it reminds us that we are not alone. By giving and receiving support, we create a community where compassion thrives, and hope is renewed. Each act of kindness, every shoulder to lean on, every moment of shared silence—all these gestures reflect God’s heart for those who mourn.

If you are grieving, know that there is strength in allowing others to walk with you. And if you have received comfort, remember that your experiences can bring hope to someone else. Together, we fulfill the law of Christ through love and compassion, lifting each other up in times of need.

Today, let us strive to be a source of comfort and strength for one another. Let us carry each other’s burdens, just as Christ carries ours. In the midst of our pain, we can become a beacon of hope for those who feel lost, and together, we can find healing.

Ending Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of community and for the comfort You provide in times of grief. Help me to carry the burdens of those around me, offering love and compassion as You have shown me. Give me the strength to reach out when I need support and the courage to walk with others in their sorrow. Let Your love flow through me, bringing hope and healing to those who are hurting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Comforted to Comfort Others

Key Scripture:
“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 (NIV)

Grief is a heavy burden to bear. It comes unexpectedly, leaves wounds that take time to heal, and often changes us forever. In the midst of deep sorrow, it is easy to feel isolated and lost. But even in these moments of despair, God is present as “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” He draws near to us, offering comfort and strength that cannot be found elsewhere.

God’s comfort is not superficial; it is a profound and deep-seated presence that meets us in our darkest moments. He knows our pain and walks alongside us through every stage of our grief. He doesn’t promise to erase the pain or to make everything better instantly, but He does promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to bring comfort when it feels like nothing else can.

This passage from 2 Corinthians reminds us of an incredible truth: as God comforts us in our trials and heartaches, He also equips us to bring comfort to others. Our grief, though personal and deeply painful, can become a source of compassion for others who are hurting. When we have experienced the healing touch of God, we can extend that same comfort to others in need. Our empathy, born out of our own struggles, can be a powerful way to bring light and hope to those around us.

It doesn’t mean that our grief becomes easy or that our wounds are forgotten. Rather, God transforms our pain into something meaningful—a way to help others feel less alone in their struggles. In His hands, our stories of loss become stories of hope, and our wounds become a source of healing for others.

Today, as you navigate your own journey of grief, lean on the God who comforts you. Let Him carry your burdens and fill you with His peace. And when you are ready, know that your story, your pain, and your healing can be used to comfort others who are walking a similar path. In His compassion, we find strength; in His comfort, we become bearers of comfort to others.

Ending Prayer:
Father of compassion, thank You for being my comfort in times of grief. In my pain, You are near, offering strength and peace. Help me to receive Your comfort fully and to find healing in Your presence. When the time is right, give me the courage to extend that same comfort to others who are hurting. Use my story and my journey of grief to bring light and hope to others in need. Thank You for being the God of all comfort, always walking with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Finding Strength in the Storm

Key Scripture:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” — Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

In seasons of grief, it can feel like we’re being tossed in a stormy sea. Waves of sorrow rise and fall, pulling us under, and sometimes it’s hard to believe we’ll ever find our way back to shore. Isaiah 43:2 is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is steadfast even in the most challenging times. He does not promise a life without storms, but He promises that we will not be overcome.

Grief often feels like passing through fire or deep waters, but in each of these moments, God’s assurance remains with us. His word tells us that we will pass through—not stay in—the rivers and fires of our pain. While the path is difficult, it is not without His presence. God’s promise is that He will carry us, sustain us, and strengthen us as we navigate our way through these hard times. We may feel weak, but we can trust in His strength.

The beauty of this verse lies in its promise of companionship. God doesn’t just stand on the sidelines; He walks with us, intimately understanding the depth of our sorrow. In His presence, we are safe, and in His strength, we find hope to face each new day. Though we may not see the end of the journey, we can trust in the One who leads us through it.

In our grief, we may not feel strong, but His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Today, if you feel overwhelmed by loss, remember that God’s promise is to be right there beside you. Lean on His strength and know that you are never alone.

Ending Prayer:
Lord, I come to You feeling weary and overwhelmed. The weight of loss is heavy, and I struggle to find my way. Thank You for promising to be with me through the hardest times. Help me to feel Your presence and to trust in Your strength when I feel weak. Be my shelter in this storm and my guide through the fire. Thank You for walking with me, carrying me when I can’t stand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Life in the ‘Post-Norm’: Finding Peace Amid Grief

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “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.”


Sitting here, I reflect on how time flies. A loss may have happened so long ago, yet when you reminisce, it feels like only yesterday. In reality, life has moved on, and it’s been ten long years. We live in a “post-norm” life, navigating as emotional amputees—much like those who adapt to the world missing a limb.

It’s a daily struggle to adapt when we lose vital parts of who we are, whether physically or emotionally. This journey is guerrilla warfare on our very souls. One day, we feel we’re conquering the world; the next, the walls of our sanity cave in.

It requires constant exercise of our will. We have to ask ourselves: How will we wage war for the core of our existence? As long as we breathe, we can be sure that happenstance and tragedy will come.

In this passage of time, each of us will find ourselves in a vortex of chaos at one point or another. But we must stay determined. We may wobble, stumble, and absolutely, we will fall down. But we must decide not to stay down.

Some tragedies can never truly be compensated for. There will be good days and bad days. Loved ones and limbs cannot be replaced, but if we do not give up, we may eventually find the beauty that life in the “post-norm” offers.

In the past sixteen years, life has been an emotional roller coaster. It seems like only yesterday I was playing basketball with my dad. Now, it’s been sixteen years since he’s been gone. This life “post-norm” has been challenging, but I choose to honor his memory by never giving up.

My dad was a masterful pianist. The last song he accompanied me on was also, fittingly, the same song I sang at his funeral.

As the hymn writer said, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.’”

At the end of the day, like the song says, “it is well with my soul.”

“It is well” doesn’t mean it is easy. But through the grace of God, it means that we are surviving—and even thriving—in the midst of loss.


Reflection: When we lose a part of ourselves, whether through grief or other challenges, it’s easy to feel as though we’re missing a limb—functioning but not whole. Yet, in these times, we can lean into God’s promise: His grace is sufficient for us.

Though the “post-norm” might be a season of grief, pain, and adaptation, it is also a testament to the resilience of faith. God’s power shines in our weakness, reminding us that even when the journey is hard, His grace sustains us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace that fills the broken places in our hearts and lives. When life feels overwhelming and grief unbearable, remind us that You are our strength. May Your peace guide us, and may we always trust that it is well with our souls. Amen.

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A Day of Remembrance and God’s Faithful Presence

Key Scripture:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” — Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Today, while many celebrate Halloween with candy and costumes, my heart holds a different connotation for this day. Much like December 7, 1941—the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which President Roosevelt declared a “day that would go down in infamy”—October 31 carries a weight of its own in my heart.

Sixteen years ago today, on October 31, 2008, my father lost his battle with multiple myeloma. Sixteen years is a long time, yet somehow, the memories feel as vivid as if it were just yesterday. I can hardly believe that so much time has passed, but even with the years, the sense of loss still feels surreal.

Not a day goes by without something that reminds me of my father—his presence, his voice, his love. His absence is deeply felt, and the space he left in my life is something that will always remain. But as I walk this path of grief, I am reminded of the words from Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

In the valley of grief, God’s presence has been my comfort. He walks with me, sustaining me when the weight feels unbearable. In moments when memories flood my heart, I am reassured that God is not distant; He is right here, in the valley, offering His strength and comfort. His rod and staff guide me, and though my father is no longer here, my Heavenly Father is ever near.

Grief has no timeline, but God’s presence is a constant anchor. Remembering my father brings a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow, but I find peace knowing that God’s love and strength are always with me. In His care, I find the courage to carry on, reassured that I am never alone in my sorrow.

Ending Prayer:
Lord, today I remember my father and all that he meant to me. The pain of his absence remains, but I thank You for being my comfort in the darkest valley. Thank You for walking with me, for sustaining me, and for the promise that I am never alone. Help me and all those who still feel that lingering absence from death to lean on You and find peace in Your constant presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Author, ‘The Claypot Misfit’

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Casting Our Cares In Times of Grief

Key Scripture: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Grief often brings with it a storm of emotions—sadness, confusion, even anger. In the midst of these overwhelming feelings, it’s easy to feel isolated, burdened by sorrow, and unsure where to turn. But in 1 Peter 5:7, God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares deeply for each of us. This verse reassures us that we don’t have to bear the weight of grief alone; God is willing and eager to carry it with us.

The invitation to “cast” our anxieties on God is not merely a suggestion—it’s an invitation to let go. When we cast our burdens on Him, we choose to trust Him with our pain, confusion, and fears. This doesn’t mean that the grief will instantly vanish, but it does mean we have a loving Savior who walks with us, ready to shoulder the load we feel too weary to carry alone.

God’s care is constant and personal. He sees every tear, understands every ache, and listens to each prayer whispered in the quiet moments. We can come to Him honestly, bringing our raw emotions and deepest fears. As we surrender our anxieties, we allow God’s comfort to penetrate our sorrow, offering us a peace that can coexist even in times of great loss.

Grieving in this way doesn’t mean ignoring our pain. Instead, it means opening our hearts to God’s compassion, knowing that He is a refuge in our sorrow. We may not have all the answers, and the journey may still feel long, but in God’s presence, we find strength to face each day and courage to keep moving forward.

So, today, if you’re weighed down by loss, remember that God is near and that He cares. Lay your grief, fears, and heartache at His feet, trusting that He is big enough to hold it all.

Ending Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart heavy with grief. I bring my burdens and anxieties before You, knowing that You care for me deeply. Help me to trust You with my pain and to feel Your comforting presence. Be my refuge and my strength as I navigate this difficult season. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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