Do you ever feel rushed to hope? Or rush others to hope? One of the most unhelpful things to say or hear when you’re grieving is “at least.” At least, it’s not as bad as it could’ve been. At least you’re not so-and-so. At least they’re not in pain anymore. No matter how good the intentions, rushing past grief or sorrow is not good. The Bible calls these expressions of sadness ‘lamenting.’ And the Bible doesn’t hide from it. 

The writer of Psalm 42:5 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” Part of growing as a follower of Jesus is bringing even your lament before God. Lament keeps faith from becoming shallow. It gives you permission to grieve. And it reveals a God who welcomes your honesty. 

Here’s your one thought today: lament is not a lack of faith, it’s an act of faith. If you need a space to grieve today, there’s a prayer waiting for you below:

Have you ever felt like you wasted an opportunity? Sensed like you’re living in a wasted season? Or maybe you want more for your life, but it seems impossible because you think your past has ruined your future. 

God says this to His prophet Joel, “I will restore to you the years the swarming locust has eaten.” If you don’t know a lot about locusts, you’re not crazy. But they destroyed the crops, livelihoods, and futures of God’s people. And here God promises restoration. He promises to bring something good out of a season that surely felt wasted or ruined.

You can be comforted knowing God has a better plan than just erasing your past mistakes or regrets. What is wasted in your eyes is redeemable in God’s. We all have broken chapters or seasons of life that feel ruined, but God is writing an even bigger story of His grace. Your history does not define your future. Here’s your one thought today: God redeems what feels wasted. If you want to thank God for His redemption in your life, we have a prayer for you below.