Even though it is only the beginning of this study, thank you for getting this far. It is a testimony to your strength and courage that in the midst of your loss and pain you have not abandoned the search for hope. You may not feel strong or courageous at this point. In reality, you probably feel numb, weak, afraid, intimidated, or overwhelmed. But the mark of courage is not the absence of fear, but continuing on in the face of fear. That is what you are doing. It is commendable and good. We are praying for you and trust that God will bless this step of courageous faith with the hope and peace you desire.

The fact that you are at this point is also a testimony to God’s faithfulness and presence. You feel like your loss and circumstances could crush you, and you are right. It is an interesting study to consider how the phrase “my strength” is used in the Psalms (18:1, 22:15, 28:7, 31:10, 32:4, 38:10, 59:9, 59:17, 71:9, 102:23, 118:14, 138:3). It is as if they alternate between cries of desperation and pronouncements of praise. Grief is an experience that causes me to find the end of my strength (my abilities or emotional resources) and realize it is only My Strength (God) that can sustain me in the painful moments when death touches my life.

The goal of this study (and the relationships in which you will go through this study) is to help you access Your Strength (the one true God) in the midst of your grief. God loves you (1 John 4:19). God longs to care for you and is not just waiting for you to “get it together (Psalm 147:3).” God is not offended by your tears, but values them (Psalm 56:8). God is not repelled by your questions, even if they are angry ones (Psalm 44:23-26). God does not intend to leave you alone in your pain (Joshua 1:9). God will be patient while you grieve (2 Peter 3:9). 

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