Magnificent Grief: Following the Path of Thankfulness in Life, Child Loss and Longing

by Meredith Zahorsky

I felt both peace and war, hope and despair, fear and strength. And all of it taught me is it really can be both. I realized that without God, I’d only feel war-torn, in despair, and fearful. But when I brought all of my emotions to God, he didn’t just take my emotions away. Instead, he provided the peace, hope, and strength I so desperately needed.

After all, God is the friend who already knows everything going on in our lives. He is the friend that knows when we feel sick but are trying to hide it, and He knows when we need the push to cry or, instead, a word of encouragement to keep moving. God was, and is, that close—standing with us offering us no other strength but His. He is the truest, most selfless of friends,

But by releasing my control to God, I was really saying I still trust You with my heart, and I still trust You with my children.

His command to be thankful in all things wasn't just about obedience; it was an escort right to the peace of God. The peace we had, the peace He knew we’d need to persevere, was paved by thankfulness.