The process of loving and losing is part of being human, and when we lose someone or something, we mourn. What are you mourning? It could be the death of a loved one, a divorce, financial loss, a tragedy, a devastating illness, or another life-changing event. As you heal from your loss, there may be days when you feel like you just don’t know how you are going to make it.

In Joy Comes in the Mourning author Lynn Brake seeks to help you recognize the Lord’s hand in your situation and find your way out of the brokenness you feel. The Lord wants to carry you through your situation and bring you out on the other side with a renewed heart, peace, and hope for the future.

Joy Comes in the Mourning reminds you that the Lord is waiting for you to call out His name. He can bring you joy, no matter how sad and depressed you are. He can bring you peace, no matter how stressed and worried you are. He can bring you hope, no matter how dark tomorrow seems. He loves you and wants to help you find your joy in the mourning.

Whatever your “mourning” is—the death of a loved one, an ongoing struggle, a tragedy, a major life change, or a devastating illness—the Lord is waiting for you to call out His name so that He can bring you joy, no matter how sad and depressed you are. He can bring you peace no matter how stressed and worried you are. He can bring you hope, no matter how dark tomorrow seems.

If you get nothing else from this book, remember this: First, you must believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Then, second, you must seek Him in all your ways. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Wait expectantly on the Lord to show Himself, and you will find joy in the mourning.

Lynn Brake and her late husband, Keith, served as teachers, on mission teams, as choir members, and as leaders in many areas of church and community life. They have two children, Brittney and Bryan. Keith’s death after seven years of battling leukemia contributed to Joy Comes in the Mourning. Lynn currently lives in Clarksville, Tennessee.