Receiving news of a loss of someone’s life is never easy. I came home yesterday to discover the tragic death of a precious lady’s son.  He left behind four children (ages 1-19, I believe) a wife, parents, family, and friends.  Then this morning I was reading about a friend who is experiencing three loved ones’ losses at this time. 
We all will/do experience death and how we get through it can differ. God wanted me to share some scriptures with you that helped me get through our family’s tragic loss in June 2013.  I pray that you will choose to get through a loss by holding Jesus’ hand and allowing Him to carry you.
Whether you are just trying to find the right words to say or write to someone that is suffering or you are afflicted yourself, I hope that you will take comfort in these verses:

• “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
• “my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior;” 2 Samuel 22:3
• “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He recues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18
• “For His unfailing love toward those who love Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.” Psalm 103:11-14
• “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

• “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God.  And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” Isaiah 41:13

• “The God of Israel is the one who gives strength and power to His people.”  Psalm 68:35

• “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Psalm 28:7

• “Pray to the Lord, and he will hear you. He will save you from all your troubles.” Psalm 34:17

• “And me? I pray. God, it’s time for a break! God, answer in love! Answer with your sure salvation!  Rescue me from the swamp, Don’t let me go under for good, Pull me out of the clutch of the enemy; This whirlpool is sucking me down. Don’t let the swamp be my grave, the Black Hole swallow me, its jaws clenched around me. Now answer me, God, because you love me; Let me see your great mercy full-face. Don’t look the other way; your servant can’t take it.  I’m in trouble. Answer right now! Come close, God; get me out of here. Rescue me.”  Psalm 69:13-18

• “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”  John 16:20b

• Comfort in Times of Trouble

• “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33

• “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,” James 1:2

• “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.   Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23

• “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

• “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

 
Be strong in the Lord. He will give you strength.
Also, this devotion from the book Jesus Calling seemed perfect for today’s journaling. (see picture)
I pray God’s abundant love and much joy for y’all.