Day 4 – The Ache That Won’t Go Away
Part 1: Grief’s Landscape
Mapping the Emotions
The rush of conflicting emotions felt when coping with loss can be overwhelming and confusing. One of the questions I most often get from people in this situation is, “Am I crazy?” No, you are not crazy. You are a normal person going through an abnormal situation.
Grief is a category of emotions we experience as a response to loss and trauma. By my definition, grief is a normal human reaction to a perceived loss. That reaction can come in many forms, but as long as you are able to keep up with your daily life you are coping normally.
The devotions for the next seven days focus on the different kinds of feelings we experience as a response to loss and grief. My prayer for you is that you will feel a sense of reassurance and relief that you are on the right path… even when you may not feel it.
Day 4 – The Ache That Won’t Go Away
Scripture: Psalm 42:3
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, ‘Where is your God?’”
There are wounds that never seem to change with time. You smile, work, and even laugh; but underneath it all is a silent ache—an emptiness that overflows like a wave. In grief, this ache becomes part of your daily rhythm.
You may wonder if God has gone silent or forgotten you altogether. But your ache is not a sign of God’s absence; it is a sacred space where His comfort longs to dwell. Silence does not mean an absence of activity. God is preparing you spiritually and emotionally for the time when you have the strength to grow.
David, who wrote this psalm, perceives his tears as accusers, mocking his pain and loneliness. But as we have learned, tears are the outer expression of inner pain. The real enemy is the lingering doubt that God will ever show up.
Let that doubt become a question to God, then let the question become a prayer for God to continue working in and through you. The silence then becomes a state of expectant waiting.
Like David, you can weep openly and still hope fiercely. God does not ask you to pretend; He invites you to feel, trust, and wait.
Prayer
God,
This ache makes me feel hollow and forgotten. But I choose to believe You are with me even in this sadness. I bring my pain honestly before You. Wrap me in Your mercy and remind me that my tears are not wasted.
Amen.
Healing Practice for Today
When the ache rises today, pause and place your hand over your heart. Whisper: “God is with me in this.” Let the ache become a doorway to presence.
Journaling Prompt
What does your ache say to you? What might God want to say back?
Closing Blessing
Feel the nearness of God wrap around
the rawness in your chest.
Your pain is not invisible.
Heaven sees, holds,
and honors every silent tear.
“Pray as You go” (Breath Prayer)
Inhale: You see me, God...
Exhale: … and You hold my tears.