Kari Jobe on Sharing Sorrows With God in Midst of Tragedy
Kari Jobe knows what it's like to struggle. But the worship leader also knows how to lean on God to get through the tough times and wants to help others do the same.
The 35-year-old contemporary Christian music singer spoke at Gateway Church's Pink Impact conference in Southlake, Texas, where she shared her "very raw and honest thoughts."
"In the midst of a season where there are a lot of questions ... it's absolutely OK to voice those questions and be honest with the Lord and to worship in the midst of the pain. Worship brings breakthrough and healing," she wrote on Instagram. "Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. The night season may last a little while ... but God will surround you with songs of deliverance in it."
Last December the singer-songwriter, who became a mother last February, was transparent about mourning the loss of her unborn niece at seven months in utero. In a newsletter written to fans, Jobe shared that her sister, Kris, and family were grieving during the Christmas holiday season.
"My family already loved this unborn baby as a daughter, sister, niece and granddaughter. Dreams we held for the future disappeared …," Jobe revealed. "Losing my niece was the worst shock of my life. I've been pretty quiet over the past two months because there's not much to say when your heart is out of words. Posting short updates and encouragements on social media doesn't come so easily when your soul is in deep pain."
Jobe also spoke about the importance of sharing her raw emotions with God.
"During this hard season, I've learned it's always best to be absolutely honest with the Lord. ... Bringing our questions to the Lord turns our sadness into trust and worship.
"This newfound faith brings a shift in the atmosphere of our hearts as God brings beauty from pain and peace from tragedy," she said. "God always provides us with gifts to help us live with grace through the hard seasons. For our family, those gifts include Duke, Kris and Michael's amazing 2 and-a -half year old son, and baby Carnes, who will arrive in February 2016."
Despite the loss, Jobe remained faithful and believed that her family would overcome the tragedy by renewing their joy in God. She acknowledged that the Christmas season was a time to celebrate Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances.
"The holidays are different for everyone. No matter the circumstance, here's a truth that helps us all: The One who we celebrate during Christmas is the One who can walk us through these moments of heartache and pain," Jobe wrote. "He simply placed Himself in our world so we could simply cast our burdens on Him. Because of Him, we can be thankful in this cheerful season."