During certain periods of the year—around the holidays, during the warm summer months, when the seasons change—I miss my late grandmother, who lost a battle with cancer 13 years ago. In a quiet-but-confident way, she brought excitement to family gatherings. She turned every day into a new adventure. And she made even the most frustrating situations enjoyable.

Do you miss a friend or family member today?

Maybe a loved one recently passed away, and grief has resurfaced when your family gathers together. Maybe your son or daughter lives in another state, and the distance has started to feel unbearable. Or maybe your closest friend accepted a new job and moved across the country, leaving you feeling sad and lonely.

Regardless of your circumstance, you miss your loved one. You miss the comfort and the companionship. And you miss the joy you shared.

When I feel overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, I can can relate to the writer of Psalm 119:28, who calls out to God: “I am overcome by sorrow; strengthen me, as you have promised (GNTD).”

If you’re searching for strength today, I encourage you to join me in meditating on these four Bible verses: 

1. Psalm 42:11 (GNTD)
   Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.
2. Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)
   Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.
3. Psalm 30:11 (GNTD)
   You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy.
4. Isaiah 49:13 (GNTD)
   Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The Lord will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people.