Grieving the Life You Wanted
There are many things we can grieve. One that isn’t talked about enough is the quiet sorrow of not being where we hoped to be in life.
As Christians, we sometimes over-spiritualize this feeling. We place scriptures over our emotions and convince ourselves that acknowledging disappointment means we’re being ungrateful for how far God has brought us.
But two things can be true.
We can deeply appreciate how God has provided for us, protected us, and carried us to this very moment.
And simultaneously, we can grieve what we thought life would look like by now.
That tension doesn’t make you less faithful.
It doesn’t make you less Christian.
It makes you human.
Acknowledging those emotions is often the first step toward true surrender. When we stop covering our feelings with quick spiritual answers, we create space to actually process them with God. And when feelings are honestly processed, both the beautiful and the painful, we’re finally able to move forward without the weight of unspoken grief holding us down.
This is your invitation to sit with God and be honest about how you feel. He doesn’t require perfect words or polished faith. He welcomes your vulnerability, your questions, and even your disappointment. And in that honest space, you may find that His presence is closer and gentler than you imagined.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:12–13
Heartwork
Take a moment to identify the desires in your life that haven’t yet become reality.
Bring each one to God honestly without editing your emotions or trying to sound strong.
After you’ve shared, sit in silence for a few minutes and simply listen.
If you don’t sense anything right away, don’t be discouraged.
God may speak later at a time that it all becomes clear in an instant.
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