One Surefire Remedy for Sorrow from Psalm 119

“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” Psalm 119:28

I was asked a telling question by someone after I was well into my journey of loss. “How can I get through grief more quickly?” I would have asked or thought about a similar question probably before I experienced loss and grief. So, it’s not a bad question.

However, it’s a misguided question, at best.

The question assumes grief is a task or process to be hurried. After all, no one enjoys pain. However, I have found that grief must not be hurried; grief must be processed on your own unhurried schedule. You are an individual, and your grief timeline is personal. Wounds take time to heal. Wounds need care.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” Psalm 119:50

There is one surefire remedy I have discovered. This remedy is not a simplistic platitude. Nor is it a quick fix. It’s much more difficult or, better said, more involved. The surefire nature does not diminish the amount of work it represents. But I contend, it is surefire none-the-less.

God’s Word is a surefire remedy to make sense of and provide comfort in sorrow. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Back to the question I was asked. Why did I say that seeking a quick resolution to grief is misguided? I have learned the journey of grief must be guided by truth. And life is complicated and serious. Loss is multifaceted.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

The truths of God’s Word have been a balm to my heart. Not to lessen the pain. The pain is very real. However, God’s truth does give context for my journey. God speaks to loss. His story provides a comforting salve for your soul for the journey. He meets your pain with his presence through a love letter written to mankind.

“God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in his spoken words, constantly speaking his words and causing the power of them to persist across the years.” A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

It turns out that the Scriptures meet multifaceted and complicated sorrow with richness and completeness. God comes close to you in your brokenness. It’s actually beautiful, and I stand in awe of God’s omniscience. Truth. Inspired words. Promise. Trustworthy.

“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76

Grace and mercy flow from God’s mouth to your ear to meet you and to support you. Sufficient. New every morning. Peace and hope from the pages of Holy Writ await you when you embrace and spend time in this surefire remedy. Surpassing. Unhindered. Love and comfort overflowing from the love letter from God are gifts from our Father. Steadfast and lavish. Contagious.

“Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.” Psalm 119:143

A melting soul is strengthened. Affliction is met with promise. Affliction provides a pathway for lessons born of his statutes. Comfort is delivered by his promises born of steadfast love. Trouble and anguish are turned to delight by his commandments. Pleas—turning toward God—are heard and met with the surefire remedy according to his word.

“Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.” Psalm 119:170