The Grief You Have Not Named

Near to the Brokenhearted

The psalmist writes: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Not distant. Near. Not managing from afar. Present.

Grief that we cannot name often remains unnamed because we cannot justify it to ourselves. It seems too small, or we don't think we have the right to it. But God does not require that our pain make sense before he draws close.

The Permission to Grieve

Scripture is full of people lamenting things that haven't resolved — relationships, losses, unanswered prayers, the weight of the world as it is. The psalms are not polished. They are honest.

If there is a grief in you that hasn't had room — let it have a little room today. You do not have to explain it or justify it. Just bring it. The one who is near to the brokenhearted is near to you.