Hope for the One Carrying Secret Grief - Your Nightly Prayer - September 19

Hope for the One Carrying Secret Grief

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice (Psalm 55:17, NLT)

SOMETHING TO PONDER

There are things we freely tell others; there are other things we do not. Perhaps the wounds are too fresh, and we are not yet ready to share our grief with another. Or the event is too personal or traumatic. Some things are merely too sensitive to talk about.

All of us have the capacity to carry a secret burden of grief. As pastor and author Trevor Hudson wrote in Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love, “[Each of us] does sit next to a pool of tears. As you read my words you are sitting beside your pool; and as I write these words, I am seated next to mine.” We are wise to remember this statement when interacting with others and reflecting on our own experiences. Sorrow affects everyone and is known throughout the world regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or culture.

Yet there is One who knows all about the secret griefs in our lives, regardless of whether we have shared them with another. The Lord God, who sees all, knows the pain we are holding inside ourselves. Scripture tells us that He holds each of our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). And He sees the times when we choose to keep walking in the hard, but good path of faithfulness. He is also fully aware of the times we feel crushed by the burden we carry, though we utter no complaint to others.

David’s poetic lament to God, however, shows us that we can cry out to the Lord–the One who will always listen, even to our silent sufferings. He knew about David’s fears, as well as the unwarranted attacks from his enemies. The shepherd-king longed to fly away, like a bird, from his problems (Psalm 55:5-8). Yet even amid the troubles and terrors, he trusted that God would hear and rescue him (Psalm 55:16-17).

In carrying our quiet and secret griefs, we can find comfort in the presence of the Savior who holds every tear and will one day wipe them all away. Let us cry out to Him as we hold on to the hope He offers.      

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

There are sorrows within me that I have not allowed others to see, yet You see each one, Lord. Tonight, I bring my cries of anguish to You, Savior, for You care about them. I know that You hear my prayers. You hold each tear I shed in a bottle. Not one will be lost.

May I find comfort knowing that You listen and take notice when I voice my grief. And may I find strength to continue walking, knowing I do not have to carry this secret burden alone. You walk beside me and strengthen me by Your presence. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.    

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1 Someone in your life who has always listened to you. Maybe this was a teacher, parent, or friend. How might the memory of their attentiveness point you toward a great appreciation of the Lord, who hears and knows all?

2 The image of Jesus holding a lamb in His arms (Isaiah 40:11). What aspect of this image encourages you to remember that though you are carrying a burden, God Himself is carrying you?

3 A verse that gives you courage to continue walking in faithfulness despite the pain of grief. Why does this specific verse give you strength? How might you meditate on it this week?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: AaronAmat

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about the intersection of literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, visit her author Facebook page, or browse the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister. 

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