Friends and loved ones depart, but God will never leave us. He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

There is never a day so dreary but God can make it bright

And unto the soul who trusts Him He giveth songs in the night.

There is never a path so hidden but God will lead the way

If we seek for His Spirit's guidance and patiently wait and pray.

God makes His fatherly comfort clear through His Word. "For whatever things were written in earlier times were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope" (Romans 15:4).

A closed, neglected Bible often causes comfortless hearts. But as we read the Bible we turn from our grief to fuller appreciation that Jesus also endured sadness, loneliness, and pain during His life on earth. And He went the final step we will never take--He suffered and died alone for our sins on that cruel cross.

There is never a cross so heavy but the nail-scarred hands are there

Outstretched in tender compassion the burden to help us bear.

There is never a heart so broken but the loving Lord can heal,

For the heart that was pierced on Calvary doth still for His loved ones feel.

As we bring our requests before the Heavenly Father we know that He truly understands our deepest needs. We can count on and rest in His promises:

Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved....Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The Lord has comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted.... I will not leave you comfortless.... I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Isaiah 49:13, John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5

God in love has promised grace for every trial,

Strength for every sorrow, help for every mile,

And may He in sympathy and unfailing love impart

Help for each tomorrow and new courage to your heart.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4