When our little girl duck, Libby, passed away two months ago, at first, I was inconsolable. She had been a part of our family for 14 years, and when she died, it left a void that I could not deny. During those early days, I sought the Lord for His comfort and consolation. He gave me His Word, which says, "Be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." (Nehemiah 8:10 AMPC) I meditated on this Scripture day and night, declaring, "I will NOT grieve or be depressed, for the joy of the Lord is my strength!" Each time I spoke these words, I felt strengthened in my spirit, and I knew that I was going to be all right.

Another thing I did was to apply God's instructions in First Peter 5:7 (AMP) to my life and circumstances: "Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." I would say, "Lord, I cast all of my cares, anxieties, and concerns - and all of my grief and sorrow - upon You, because You care for me. Thank You that You will sustain me and support me; You will never let me be disturbed or shaken." (Psalm 55:22) Then, peace would flood my heart and mind.

A week or so after Libby died, my husband, Joe, got very sick. It wasn't until a few days ago that I realized why. Joe was the one who tenderly buried Libby's lifeless body. He was the one who dismantled her house, and tore down the large patio enclosure that kept our ducks safe for 26 years - the enclosure he had built with his own hands. He was the one who dug out the huge plastic pond that our ducks splashed and played in all those years. It was just confirmation of something that the Lord had taught me years ago - that grief and sorrow can make us sick, if we let it.

In times like these, God wants us to lean heavily upon Him and His promises of comfort and healing. The Bible says, "[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow]." (Psalm 147:3 AMP) I still miss Libby, and I still cry sometimes when I think of her. I sometimes even cry when I think of her mate, Larry, who was a part of our family for almost 23 years, and who died three years ago. But God has not left me alone in my sorrow. He has been with me every step of the way, guiding me and reassuring me that there are better days up ahead for me. And I can tell you that He is true to His promise when He says, "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:18 KJV)

Prayer: Lord, in times of suffering and loss, fill me with Your joy to give me strength. Comfort me as a mother comforts her child. (Isaiah 66:13) Teach me how to lean heavily upon You and Your promises on a moment-by-moment basis. Thank You that as I cast all of my cares, all of my fears, and all of my heartaches upon You, You will sustain me and support me, and You will lift me up!