Sadness is a natural part of life. Whether it’s from loss, disappointment, or just the weight of the world, we all go through those moments of sadness. Today, I want to tell you that it is in those moments that God is closest to you! If you feel sad today, I want you to know that God sees your pain and cares deeply about it. Your tears do not go unnoticed: Even Jesus experienced sadness too. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus cried.

This shows us that God not only understands our pain but also shares it with us. In your sadness, God offers comfort and hope. Jesus was sent into the world to: “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to those who are prisoners of pain; to comfort all who mourn.”

While sadness can feel overwhelming at times, it is not the end of your story! God promises to bring joy even in the midst of pain: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). “You keep track of all my sorrows; you have gathered all my tears into your jar; you have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8). And one of the greatest assurances in the midst of our present pain is the picture God gives us of what the future will be like—without pain or suffering! “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more mourning, no more crying, no more pain.”

If you are feeling sad today, I encourage you to do something: close your eyes and ask God to heal your heart. You can talk to him and he will surely hear you. I also want to encourage you to find that much-needed support in those who truly care about you. God has given you a family of faith, people who have walked the same path as you and who will accompany you with all their love during this time. Take heart, gather strength because God is very close to you.