Goodbye, Buddy - A Devotional By LeBron Keener

Goodbye, Buddy - A Devotional By LeBron Keener 

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

(Psalm 34:18 KJV)

Seven-year-old Luke had never known a day without Buddy. Buddy was a scruffy little mutt with floppy ears and a tail that wagged like it ran on batteries. He was there when Luke scraped his knee, when he got in trouble at school, and when he just needed someone to sit with him on the back porch and watch the sunset.

But one cold morning, Buddy didn’t get up. Luke’s mom knelt beside him, gently explaining that Buddy had gotten sick during the night and gone to sleep for the last time. “He’s gone to heaven,” she whispered, brushing Luke’s hair back. But all Luke could do was cry. He cried through breakfast, through school, and most of the night. His heart hurt in a place he didn’t have words for.

At church that Sunday, the pastor was talking about how Jesus understands our sadness. “He weeps with us,” he said, “and when your heart breaks, He sits right there with you.”

Luke leaned against his mom and whispered, “Do you think Jesus cried when Buddy died?”

She paused, wiped his cheek, and said, “I think Jesus cried because you cried. That’s how much He loves you.”

That night, Luke drew a picture of Buddy with wings, chasing butterflies in a big green field. At the bottom, he wrote:

“Jesus, thank you for loving Buddy. And for loving me too.”

Reflection:

Loss comes early for some. Whether it’s a pet, a grandparent, or even a friend, grief can crash into a young heart and leave it aching. But God's Word reminds us that He is near to the brokenhearted. He doesn't brush our pain aside. He sits with us in it.

Jesus wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus not because He didn’t know He would raise him, but because He felt the sorrow of those around Him. That same Savior draws close when a little boy cries over his puppy. He sees, He cares, and He comforts.

Prayer:

"Dear Jesus, thank You for caring about every part of my life—even the parts that hurt. When I lose someone or something I love, help me remember You are close. Thank You for crying with me and for being the Healer of broken hearts. Amen."

Challenge:

If you know someone who’s grieving - over a pet, a person, or even a situation - be present. Say a kind word. Write a note. Remind them gently: they are not alone, and Jesus is sitting right beside them.