Jesus wept. This Scripture, located in John 11:35, is often touted for being the “shortest verse in the Bible,” but, friends, we mustn’t discount its relevance to the amazing impact these words had when it comes to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
In John 11:1-43, we see this beautiful story unfold as Jesus arrives at a scene (supposedly late) where his good friends are mourning the loss of their brother, Lazarus. This is Jesus’ friend, too, and upon witnessing the crowd’s sorrow, we see the human side of our God emerge as He is moved to tears Himself. This story embraces His compassion and shows Jesus’ sincere response to their sadness, embracing His own. Jesus’ timing was impeccable, as it always is, to prove that He wasn’t just God, but He was, in fact, human. He felt things deeply, including sadness and sorrow.
If you are in a deep place of sadness, walking through a valley of darkness, or just simply overcome with emotions that are confusing and difficult to understand, I assure you that God feels your hurt, sees your pain, and understands. The Bible holds many verses that can wrap us in comfort and peace. So, let’s unpack some of those today. Take out Your Bible and let these verses and prayers wash over you, bringing you out of the darkness and into the goodness of light.
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1. Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Father God,
Thank you for the truth found in Your Word and comforting me when I am crushed and broken in spirit. Today, I lift my eyes to You and seek Your unending love and support. I need the truth Matthew 5:3 proclaims to bring bold conviction to my mind and ever resound in my heart. For Your Kingdom is counterculture and completely upside down to the ways of this hurting world. Thank you for Your victory and reserving me a special place in eternity with You. I am forever grateful and will cling to this truth when I am overcome with sadness.
Amen.
2. Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…
(Read the entirety of this verse aloud when you are overcome with sorrow, sadness, or grief)
Lord,
Your Word is so comforting to me, and I am so blessed to be in a place to receive it and learn from these precious words. As I read aloud Psalm 23, David’s relationship with You is awe-inspiring. This prayer is a solemn reminder of Your goodness and love for us as the Good Shephard. Nothing compares to the way You care for us. With You, we lack absolutely nothing. The beautiful imagery portrayed here grants me peace and hope as I place my heart and life in Your faithful hands. When life gets difficult and hard to manage, allow me to fall back on this beautiful poem/prayer, so that I may place full trust in You, knowing You care for me and my needs.
Amen.
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3. Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Gracious God,
Deuteronomy 31:8 tells me that You are always with me. You go before me, walk beside me, and pick up the broken pieces behind me. For that, I am ever so thankful. But, in all honesty, I sometimes come to places in my life where fear, worry, or frantic nerves overcome me, and I quickly fail to remember this precious promise. O God, please draw close in those times. Set my eyes on this verse and reclaim it over my fragile soul. When I feel alone or abandoned, just as You did for Moses and the Israelites, giving them comforting reassurance, I will cling to the hope of this verse and know You do the very same for me. Thank you for Your ever surrounding and encompassing presence.
Amen.
4. Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Faithful Father,
When I face uncertainties and situations arise that make no sense, I will have no fear, for I know You are with me. I know that You will provide me the strength and endurance I need to persevere and continue to put one foot in front of the other, even if it is into the unknown because it is all known to You. Thank You for Your mighty love and fierce protection that speaks to my heart in Isaiah 41:10. Thank You for granting me the courage to fight everyday battles and to know that with You, one day, there will be victory! I rest assured in that truth when I am afraid, lonely, sad, or anxious. You are my God. The One I strive to place my full confidence and trust in.
Amen.
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5. 1 Peter 5:6-7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Jesus, I desperately need You. Please be present in my life and show me when I am burdened by anxiety or utter sadness. When my heart feels too heavy to carry on, I will try to turn to You because You care for me. As I grovel with my purpose or fleshly desires, I seek Your righteous strength that may come with conviction to encourage me to stay the course that You set before me. When I feel my worth is lost in the sea of doubt, I will let the identity that You stake claim over me cause me to stumble to my knees in adoration. I humbly ask that You grant me peace to walk in Your ways, a place to lay down my burdens at Your feet so that I may not fear and delight in the hope You graciously provide in 1 Peter 5:6-7. Thank you, God, for everything. Amen.
6. Ecclesiastes 1:18
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."
O God,
Just as You granted Solomon with divine wisdom, I am thankful that You graciously give Your beloved children wisdom tucked within the bounty of Your Word. However, with that wisdom and knowledge comes the heaviness of this life. As I encounter ebbs and flows on this journey, that easily bring all-time highs and the fullness of pure joy, it also brings such sweet sorrow. The reality is I am well aware of the brevity of life and the harshness that it brings. But, with that, it produces such sadness. So, I ask that You awake my soul as I set my eyes beyond this life and fix my gaze on eternity, Oh, what amazing hope and sense of calmness that the thought of life in Your glorious presence brings!
Amen.
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7. John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Lord,
I am so very thankful that nothing catches You off-guard. You are never unaware of the comings and goings of my life. From the trials to the triumphs, the hard times, and the times of joy, You not only see these moments and every detail in between, but You are a vital part of it all! You are omnipresent and omniscient, all-knowing and all-powerful. You have told us such things in Your Word. John 16:33, quite possibly the most powerful verse in this gospel, reminds Your children that this side of heaven is broken and riddled with problems. But, with You, we can “take heart” and comfort knowing that You have overcome evil, hardships, struggles, hurt, pain, and all of the sadness with the presence of Your divine peace. You are the Prince of Peace, and I am forever grateful. When I embrace Your peace, I have the honor of experiencing such joy. You, O God, get the final say, and it will be one of complete victory! Praise be to Your glorious and Holy name.
Amen.
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Originally published Friday, 21 March 2025.