He Comforts -- Renewal After Loss

A January Mini-Series: New Beginnings After Loss

🌿 Tiny Signs of New Life in Hard Seasons

I have a memory of riding in the car with my mom, driving in the country to my grandparents’ farm. It was a beautiful fall day, and we had the windows open as we listened to the radio. I remember feeling like God was giving us this beautiful day of beautiful fall colors with a future to look forward to. This wasn’t too long after losing my daddy in a farm accident. It wasn’t a grand gesture; it was a simple moment. Noticing God’s kindness in small moments, such as sunrise, laughter, and connection, is so important to remembering who God is. He is our Creator, our Provider, our Comforter.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts usin 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

After a loss like many of us have gone through, the loss of a loved one, comfort is the next natural step when renewal begins. Dealing with grief doesn’t come to a stop; it may never be gone, but the pain of grief is less than…less than God’s power; less than God’s comfort; less than God’s promise of eternal life if we trust Him and live our lives for Him.

This verse also reflects our ministry to children: God comforts us so that we can comfort others.

🌿 What it Looks Like to Receive His Comfort

Sometimes I find God’s comfort after a time spent in tears. When the tears start, they come in big surges, like waves that haven’t been tamed. After feeling so deeply and painfully, I take a breath, the tears slow, and I find that I have a peace like I’ve not felt in a while. Tears are God’s release when the pressure becomes too much for us as human beings to handle alone.

During other times, I feel God’s comfort through music. Generally it’s not just any music, but classical or Christian music that clarifies my focus and gives Him glory. I feel God’s peace come over me. My prayers become clearer and more focused. Music feeds my soul, and I feel that special connection with the Lord. My soul is free to glorify God even though I still grieve.

♥️ God’s Quiet Work in the Heart

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. – John 16:22 (NIV)

While our grief ebbs and flows throughout our lives, God meets us right where it hurts. We don’t have to find healing alone. According to Scripture, God meets us grieving as children by being:

• Near (Psalm 34:18)

• Gentle (Isaiah 40:11)

• Attentive to our tears (Psalm 56:8)

• Understanding our sadness (John 11:35)

• Protective and present (Deuteronomy 31:8)

• Healing our hurting hearts (Psalm 147:3)

• Renewing us day by day (Lamentations 3:22–23)

God does not bypass grief. He steps into it, sits with us in it, and stays until hope begins to grow again.

⛪ A Word to Parents & Caregivers

Remember… growth takes time. We can follow in the footsteps of Jesus and be near to our children. By being gentle and attentive to the child’s tears, we are showing love and understanding of their sadness. Protecting the child from misunderstandings of their words and actions during grief gives them a buffer to express themselves and find help for their hurting hearts. Growth and renewal will happen, day by day. Just as God steps into our grief, we can be present in our children’s grief.

🙏 A Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for being near to our broken hearts. You understand our sadness, because You experienced the death of family and friends when You were here on earth. You shed tears just like we shed tears. But You also provide healing and renewal to us day by day. We love you, Jesus. Amen.

📚 More Hope-Filled Resources, Just for You

Check out my website at https://marygracejohnsonauthor.com and download the “Seven Affirmations of Hope” for free.

I also have two collaborative books available on Amazon:
Hope for the Holidays: Stories and Traditions for a Peaceful Season (2024) and the new 365-day devotional, A Year of Hope (2025).

🔜 To be released by April !

And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, my picture book

An accompanying hope activity journal, Sunlight for the Soul: A Hope Journal for Kids Walking Through Sadness (ages 4-10)

🎉 I will be looking for launch team members to participate in this book release where there will be giveaways, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to the book!