July 1 | Genesis 37:34-35

“Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I will go down to my son, to Sheol, in mourning.” And his father wept for him.” (Genesis 37:34–35)

Have you ever received news that surprised you, that came out of nowhere? Perhaps one of your children passed away before you. Maybe you found out your savings were stolen on Wall Street. Whatever the bad news, it puts you in a bad place.

Jacob’s beloved son Joseph seemed to be dead. His sons sent him the news by showing him the evidence, the special code for his cherished son was doused in blood. If only Jacob could have run a DNA test back then.

This strong man of God crumbles like a ton of bricks. He is inconsolable. Jacob refuses to let go. He’ll never forget this moment. He is stuck in time.

If you have lost a loved one you know how Jacob feels. But the Bible leaves us with great encouragement for great grief. God is the God of all comfort and he comforts you in your despair. He is close to the brokenhearted. He walks with you through your grief.

In that grief-stricken moment you don’t care about answers. You mourn the loss. Thankfully, we Christians do not mourn like the world mourns. We know that there is hope in heaven.

Action Step: In your grief turn to God instead of blaming him or being angry with him. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother and walks with you through your sorrow.

Jesus, the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I don’t know what to do. Please lead me through this valley. Help me to trust in you.