One of the worst things about grief is the feeling that you are alone in it, that no one can walk through it with you. Or the feeling that no one sees you. Or the feeling that no one hears you.

But Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as One from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Introduced here is the prophetic “Suffering Servant” Jesus. He is alive and ready to walk through grief with you. He understands. He has experienced the worst kind of grief. Psalm 23 is beloved as the traditional poem that encourages those who are grieving. Psalm 23:2-3a says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…”

A closer look at Scripture reveals not just the Jesus of miracles, but the Creator/Shepherd/King who pierces our own darkness with things only He is able to provide – restoration of shalom, peace, wholeness, health, and holiness. Yes, it is true that a common grace many of us enjoy is the comfort of a close friend, confidant, listener, or brother/sister. These earthly graces are reminders that we do need each other. We were designed to walk through valleys in community, and not alone.

But, even better is the specific grace of the Good Shepherd healing us from the inside out, spiritually for sure, and sometimes also physically and circumstantially. We access Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by faith. Then, we never walk alone. We are always seen and heard. We pray our tears and fears to Him. We reject the modern day “suffering well” pattern of stoicism. Instead, we rely on our Friend Who sticks closer than a brother – Jesus. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

The enemy of our souls is always whispering, “You are all alone,” while the Lover of Our Souls is whispering, “I see your grief. I hear your grief. I am with you. You are not alone.” While our inner circles of trusted true friends, family members, and/or supporters are a blessing, our Creator/Shepherd/King is the true Healer, able to address the aloneness of grief with His uninterrupted and loving presence.

He restores my soul.