Austin's Blog

Grief can lead us into some of the darkest corners of our hearts and minds. In those moments, we may find ourselves asking difficult questions or expressing emotions we never thought we would. But the Bible shows us that God welcomes our honest struggles and is not shaken by them. Job, the prophets, the psalms of lament, Jesus in Gethsemane, Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, and countless other passages afford the Christian with a model, an invitation, and warrant for wrestling with God over the evil, pain, and sorrow we feel in this world.

Lindsay Wilson insightfully writes, “God will not be shattered or provoked by strong words of protest. God does not, unlike many of us, avoid conflict, for he knows that the honest expression of our current situation is essential for our transformation.” In our grief, we often feel conflicted—hurt, confused, and sometimes even angry at God. The amazing thing is, God invites this honest dialogue. He isn’t afraid of our emotions or our questions. Instead, He knows that transformation happens when we bring those raw feelings to Him.

As Robert Smith says, “the singing of grief leads to the strengthening of hope.” Expressing grief—whether through prayer, tears, or even lament—can be an essential step toward healing. It helps us move from the depths of sorrow toward a place of renewed hope. Just as singing can soothe a troubled soul, voicing our pain to God opens the door to hope, because we are turning to the only One who can truly heal our hearts. This isn’t faithlessness; it is faith holding on to hope for its dear life.

Derek Kidner reminds us that “God knows the difference between struggling faith and contemptuous unbelief.” There’s a profound comfort in this truth. God understands when our faith wavers in the midst of suffering. He knows when we are struggling to trust Him and still crying out to Him in faith, even if it’s weak. God’s compassion and grace remain with us, even when we’re in the midst of our deepest doubts. What does this mean? Don’t abandon the fight. Put on your gloves and take your heartache, questions, screams, sighs, moans, disappointments, and frustrations to Him.