As we approach the Christmas season, I marvel anew at the God of the universe taking on a cloak of flesh, the timeless One stepping into time.
Perhaps even more, I stand in awe of the One in whose very presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) descending to this broken, messy planet called Earth, choosing to become a Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:5).
I can’t help but make the distinction that while my sorrows spring from things that happen to me, He chose them.
And I’m not sure, but I can’t help but wonder whether that’s partly so He could sympathize with us in our pain.
So He could meet us there.
So He could know exactly what our broken hearts need, not only because He’s omniscient and He knows every thing about everything…
but because He’s been there.
Are you experiencing a season of sorrow? Take your broken heart to the Lord by praying the Scriptures. He’ll understand like no other.
Prayers of Comfort
Praise God for His Word! For whatever was written in it was written for your instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures you might have hope (Romans 15:4). Ask Him to help you grab hold of His Word and cling to His truth during your time of heartache.
Bless the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort! Thank Him for comforting you in all your affliction, so that you may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which you yourself are comforted by God. For as you share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ you share abundantly in comfort too (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Marvel at the mystery of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, and thank Him for His promised comfort.
Rehearse to yourself the truth that while God’s anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Thank Him that although weeping may tarry for the night, joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Ponder the tenderness of your God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up your wounds (Psalm 147:3). Offer to Him every broken place, every painful spot, and ask Him to bind them up, as only He can.
Claim the truth that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1-2).
Offer this prayer to the Lord: “Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from Your law (Psalm 119:49-51).
Pray that God’s steadfast love would comfort you according to His promise (Psalm 119:76). Contemplate His faithfulness and His care for you.
Thank Jesus for His promise that although you have sorrow now, you will one day see Him, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you (John 16:22). Share with Him your anticipation of unending, unquenchable joy when you finally see His face.
Remind yourself that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Claim for yourself God’s assurance that those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:28-29). Thank Him that you are one of these “brothers,” and express to Him your belief that all things – even times of sorrow – are used by God to conform you to the image of Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father, my very own God of all comfort, there is special balm for my soul in the awareness that Your Son also experienced a broken heart (Psalm 69:20-21). He knows this pain; He is familiar with this ache. I pray that You would help me to cling to You and the truth of Your Word in times of sorrow, running to You as my Comforter and the Restorer of my soul. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.
