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 surprising news? 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 was dead. His sons showed him the evidence, the special coat for his cherished son doused in blood. If only Jacob could have run a DNA test back then. This strong man of God crumbled like a ton of bricks. He was inconsolable. Jacob refused to let go. He’d never forget this moment. He was stuck in time.
If you have lost a loved one, you know how Jacob felt. But the Bible encourages you. God comforts you in your despair. He is close to the brokenhearted. He walks with you. In that grief-stricken moment, you don’t care about answers. You mourn the loss. Thankfully, we Christians do not mourn like the world. We know that there is hope in heaven.
Action Step: In your grief, turned 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.
