Grieving as one who has hope is different because even if we are slayed in the moment by the painful hand of the Sovereign, we know that one day, it will all be well.

In his special grace towards his children, the Lord goes even further. He not only allows objects to hold memories, but he also specifically builds our faith through them.

In this excerpt from Lost Gifts, author Brittany Allen shows us how envy and grief are not the same thing, but Jesus draws close to those afflicted by both.

We’ve all experienced small-scale deaths, disappointments, and disorientation. Yet, no matter what comes, we can ask God to grow us in this privilege of praying in the Holy Spirit.

We must ask God to give us a heart that is willing to kneel down and weep with those who are weeping.

Our joy might be in a muted shade, but the Holy Spirit is working, and he can fill our hearts with settled confidence in him.

Being honest, in light of all this, sometimes I struggle to believe that God sees and cares. But then Christmas gives me hope that he does see and care; and that he loves me after all.