How I Embedded Scriptures in Joy Overcame Sorrow

I have been podcast guesting several times a month since the book, Joy Overcame Sorrow, was launched in June. I have been asked how I embedded scriptures into the book. I posted the scriptures that related to the chapters at the end so a parent or caregiver can explain how the verse applies in grieving child situation. I included 13 scriptures within the 15 chapters; in chapters 11 and 12, I added a relevant quote. I also grouped the related scriptures in related categories: God sees every tear, trusting in His care, hope for the future, comforting in the mourning, joy restored, and finding peace within.

Joy in the Journey by Jerry L. Woodbridge

Curated from the New International Version (NIV)

God Sees Every Tear

Psalm 56:8
“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?”

Psalm 119:28
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Trusting in His Care

Luke 12:24
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”

Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

Hope for the Future

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Psalm 9:18                                                                                                                                                                  
“But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.”

Comfort in Mourning

Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Joy Restored

Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”

Jeremiah 31:12–13
“They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion… I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

Isaiah 35:10
“And those the Lord has rescued will return… Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Peace Within

Proverbs 14:30
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Luke 2:46
“After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”