After a loss, our hearts can grow dry.

Life can feel like a wilderness with no end.

The following is an excerpt from my book, Soul Cry: Devotional Prayers for Wounded, Grieving, and Suffering Hearts. If you’re feeling empty and dry today, may God use this short chapter to encourage you.

A Dry Place

Psalm 63:1-8

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You;

I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You,

in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

(63:1)

I am shaken, O God.

I don’t know what to think.

I don’t know what to do.

How could this happen?

I seek You. I long for You.

This wilderness threatens to undo me.

My heart cries out for You.

You are greater than all wildernesses.

I have seen you in the sanctuary

and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify you.

(63:2-3)

I have experienced Your goodness.

You have blessed me immeasurably.

I cling to You and Your love for me.

LORD, reassure my stunned and shaken heart.

May I choose to praise and give thanks, even now, even here.

I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

(63:4-5)

Now is not forever.

Help me to remember this.

This too will pass, though I don’t know how or when.

I have You. I will always have You.

You will lead me through this painful, barren place.

You will meet my needs.

On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night.

Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.

I cling to you;

your right hand upholds me.

(63:6-8)

I rest in You, my Lord and my God.

I trust You.

Help me to trust You more.

In Jesus’ name…

Question: Have you experienced an empty, dry feeling in your heart since your loss? Feel free to share by commenting below.