When Your Whole World Changes - COVID-19 Special EditionSample

Alone in Grief

My heart aches! People are losing their jobs and maybe their homes. Students are missing out on future opportunities. Some business owners have lost their income and their life savings. And the loss of life is terrible. Even worse, we can’t be there for one another. 

I’m so discouraged I sometimes don’t know how to go on.

God didn’t create us to fend for ourselves in our grief. He placed us in families, with friends, and in communities so we can share the good times and bad times of life together. The Bible affirms the value of our human relationships—it tells us that two are better than one—and encourages us to love one another. Even a personal conversation or sharing a meal together can lift our spirits.

But what do we do when a crisis forces us to be alone, when we are discouraged and weary? Where is our hope for companionship, comfort, and encouragement then? The Bible tells us about Elijah, a man who faced life-threatening chaos and felt so abandoned and alone that he gave up on life.

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

1 Kings 19:4–8

God knew the depth of Elijah’s discouragement and sent help in an unexpected way. God understands your heartache too.

Pray for a heart that is open to receive God’s unexpected gifts of encouragement.