Grace That Meets Us in the Valley
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
Grief has a way of humbling us. It strips away our strength, our routines, and sometimes even our sense of identity. As I was reading Recovering from Losses in Life by H. Norman Wright, I was reminded that loss comes in many forms — not just death, but lost dreams, lost health, lost seasons, and lost relationships. Some losses we expect; others catch us completely off guard. Yet in every loss, one thing becomes clear: we are not as strong as we thought we were.
And maybe that is exactly where God meets us.
Paul learned that grace shines brightest in weakness. We often want God to remove the grief, to shorten the valley, to restore what was taken. But instead, He promises something deeper — His grace. Grace does not always erase the pain, but it sustains us through it. It holds us steady when our emotions feel unstable. It whispers truth when our hearts feel confused. It carries us when we are too weary to walk on our own.
Grief can feel like a breaking, but sometimes it is also a reshaping. In the breaking, we discover that Christ is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). In the silence, we discover that His presence is not dependent on our feelings. In the tears, we discover that His mercies are still new every morning.
If you are walking through grief today — whether fresh or long-standing — remember this: God does not waste sorrow. He gives grace in proportion to the need. The valley is not evidence of His absence; it is often the place of His closest work. His grace will not run dry before your grief does.
If you are grieving today, don’t try to rush the process or pretend you are stronger than you are. Bring your weakness honestly before the Lord. Speak your sorrow to Him in prayer. Let the tears come without shame. Instead of asking only, “Lord, take this away,” begin also asking, “Lord, show me Your grace in this.” Choose one simple step this week: spend time in Psalm 34 or Lamentations 3 each morning, reminding yourself that His mercies are new. Reach out to one trusted person instead of isolating yourself. And when the waves of grief rise unexpectedly, quietly repeat, “Your grace is sufficient for me.” Grace is not just a theological word — it is daily strength for today’s sorrow.
Scripture Reading
Daily Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
(Leviticus 21)
(Leviticus 22)
Mark 9:1-29
Psalm 43:1-5
Proverbs 10:18
This Week's Radio Program
Week Eight • February 19, 2026
Trust God Enough to Put Him First (Part 2)
Every year begins with plans, priorities, and pressures. We think about finances, family, responsibilities, and the future. Yet Jesus teaches that nothing will shape our lives more than what we place first.
In this message from Matthew 6:24–34, Pastor Jerry Burns explains Christ’s clear and freeing command: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Jesus spoke these words to people living with real uncertainty and daily worry. He reveals that anxiety often grows out of divided loyalty — trying to serve both God and material security. When anything takes God’s rightful place, peace disappears and worry takes hold.
This sermon explores four life-changing truths from Christ’s teaching:
- The priority of seeking God
- The pursuit of His kingdom
- The practice of His righteousness
- The promise of His provision
You will see how putting God first reshapes priorities, quiets anxiety, and restores trust in the Father’s faithful care. Rather than living consumed by tomorrow’s fears, believers are invited to live in today’s grace — confident that God knows, God cares, and God provides.
If you desire a life marked by peace instead of worry and trust instead of fear, this message will encourage you to place Christ back at the center where He belongs.