A prayer for those mourning a loss this winter, written by Meg Booker, read by Alissa

Forsberg.

It takes a strength that we don't humanly possess to move through a season of sadness

and despair.

The winter months can carry a blue perspective, especially when the snap of grey winter skies

extends beyond our ability to cope without sunlight.

That spirit rests upon the frigid air, to comfort those saying earthly goodbyes and facing

the impossible return to life as usual without someone they held dear.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help and trouble.

Psalm 461

Refuge is a shelter or protection from danger, trouble, dictionary.com

The original Hebrew root word means to seek or flee from protection, to put confidence

and trust in God.

God's character assures us that though our lives bend and twist, he is the same.

When we wander in grief, he is strong.

Jesus promised never to leave us and his presence restores peace to our souls.

God is our shelter and our strength.

The voice paraphrase sings, when troubles seem near, God is near, and he is ready to help

so why run and hide.

Instead of hiding our grief and attempting to walk through it numbly, we serve a God

who wants us to break down to him.

We can crumble at his feet and he will pick us up, his love is perfect.

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