God of Comfort: A Devotional Journal for the Grieving Heart

by Lisa Appelo

Popular culture would have us think that grief is a linear process. Something to move through in an orderly fashion, with a list of steps we can check off, with progress we can see, with the end in our sights. But the way through grief isn't a prescription. It's a the God of all comfort.

When we grieve, God is already there, waiting to wrap us in his unfailing compassion. Yet in the mental fog and physical exhaustion of grief, it's hard to know where in the Bible to turn for help. With plenty of empathy--but zero empty platitudes--someone who knows the pain firsthand invites you on a 50-day journey to find your footing and flourish again after loss. Sharing comforting Scripture, guided prayers, journaling prompts, and honest poems, Lisa Appelo walks alongside you as a companion in your grief, gently pointing you to the character of God, who alone can provide real peace, strength, and hope in loss.

Life will never be the same after a significant loss. But you can still find the peace, and even the joy, you long for. This devotional journal will help you work through those hard feelings, one day at a time.

Genres: Grief, Devotional

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

Lisa Appelo is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who inspires women to cultivate faith in life’s storms. She’s a Florida girl born and raised and followed her passion for writing into law, where she worked as a litigator for many years. As her family grew to include seven children, Lisa retired from law to raise and home educate her children.

Ten years ago, Lisa went to bed happily married to her high school sweetheart and woke up a widow and single mom. As she navigated grief and shepherded her children through their own grief, God reshaped all that seemed shattered. Lisa is passionate about rich Bible study and has taught a weekly ladies Bible class at her home church for many years. She launched a local ministry for widows in Jacksonville, Florida and serves the Facebook group Widow Mama Collective. Lisa writes at LisaAppelo.com and manages a team of writers of HopeinGrief.com. She’s been published at Proverbs 31 Ministries, (in)courage, Risen Motherhood, Jennifer Rothschild and has been a contributing writer for iMOM.com, The Life of a Single Mom, and the Inspire Journal.

Her days are filled top to bottom with stewarding her precious children, writing, ministry, speaking and running enough to justify lots of dark chocolate.

Reviews

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review contains affiliate links.

I received God of Comfort compliments of Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

God of Comfort is a new devotional by speaker and author Lisa Appelo. This devotional was written to help readers process grief in a godly way. Lisa wrote it to comfort others with the comfort she's received in Christ after she unexpectedly lost her husband, Dan. Having walked the road of grief after a miscarriage, I'm familiar with its facets. I'm not currently in a season of loss or grief, yet I've found God of Comfort to be a deeply encouraging read.

The devotions focus on different aspects of God's character and how those grieving can find comfort in Him. They are full of Scripture and deep truths about God. Each devotional begins with Scripture and concludes with a prayer, a journaling prompt, and space for journaling, making this a helpful resource for processing grief. There are poems throughout the book that give words to the common emotions and experiences that accompany grief, and they make readers feel seen. God of Comfort is lovely inside and out. I'm a sucker for pretty books, and this one fits the bill! I do wish the book came with a ribbon bookmark so it would be easy to remember which reading is next, but even sans bookmark, it is worth every penny. Whether you are grieving and/or desiring to be comforted by God's character, I highly recommend purchasing God of Comfort .

[Abby | Life-Giving Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book will be a balm of comfort to the grieving heart. Author Lisa Appelo is no stranger to grief. When her husband's sudden death left her widowed with seven children, her sorrow seemed too much to bear. Yet, as she shares in this book, "God didn't rescue me from those excruciating evenings of pain. He sustained me through them."

In God of Comfort, the grieving heart is taken through 50 days of devotionals that focus on the character of God. The reader is reminded that He is not only the God of comfort, but the God of compassion, the God who rescues, God my counselor, the God who heals, and many more. While I can only imagine the depth of grief Appelo describes,, the reminders of God's character and how He sustains us through our pain brought me such comfort. Though Appelo's devotional is primarily written for those who have suffered the loss of a close family member or friend, any believer can be comforted with these truths of who God is, regardless of their circumstances.

This will be a book I will remember when grief inevitably enters my own life. It will also make a good gift for a friend who is in a season of deep suffering. Jesus is indeed the "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction" (II Corinthians 1:3-4).

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOD OF COMFORT had me reminiscing about my own grief journey these past six years. Each devotional reminded me of how God continues to comfort, restore, and sustain me. Lisa Appelo gives brief examples in each devotion that remind us of the many attributes of God, and I found myself pairing up her stories with instances of how God personally showed up for me. Whether I needed comfort, healing, or hope in the early days of grief or ongoing refuge and strength over the years, my God has never failed me. I think this book will be a wonderful gift for those new to grief who don't have a lot of energy for consuming lengthy grief resources or who are looking for a solid, Christian resource that is not only full of truth but also full of kindness and love. There is no shaming of strong feelings here or telling you what you "should" be doing. This book has 50 devotions on the character of God. They are short and easy to understand, perfect for a daily devotion or even for a gentle, weekly reminder of The One who is with you in any circumstance. I have read many grief resources over the past six years of widowhood, and GOD OF COMFORT has immediately moved to the top of my list. Lisa's book will be a comfort to anyone who wants to lean in to their faith and discover the amazing attributes of God and how they apply to grief. As Lisa states in her book: "The way through grief isn't a method or a prescription. The way through grief is a person: God of all comfort."

[Cheri Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Lisa Appelo knows grief from the inside. She lost her husband Dan, and she has spent the years since learning what it means to be held by the God of all comfort.

That is what makes this book different. Lisa is not writing from a distance. She has walked the fog, the exhaustion, the mornings when a simple decision feels too heavy to make. So when she tells you that grief is not a checklist to complete, you believe her.

Popular culture wants grief to be tidy, a set of stages, and eventually something to get over.
Lisa gently takes that apart. The way through grief, she writes, is not a prescription. It is a person: the God of all comfort, always there to meet you in the ache.

God of Comfort is a 50-day journey. Each day offers Scripture, a guided prayer, a journaling prompt, and honest words from someone who has grieved and kept going.

What I love most is that she makes room for the losses nobody else seems to notice — the grief that does not get a casserole. Not every loss is a death, and not every griever gets acknowledged. Lisa reminds you that all of it counts.

Life will not be the same after a significant loss. Lisa never pretends otherwise. But she believes you can still find peace, and even joy, again — one day at a time.

If you have been carrying something heavy and quietly asking now what?, this book is a good place to begin.

[Susan Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the introduction, Lisa writes, “when we fix our eyes on our God of comfort, we will find grace to get through each day, strength to move forward, and hope for the life he still has for us.” In the pages of God of Comfort, this is exactly what you will find. Through nuggets of truth from God’s word, her own personal experiences and insight, and prayers and writing prompts, Lisa leads the reader to God’s word and character so they will experience His strength and find hope to keep walking through their own seasons of loss and grief. It is a must-read for those who are struggling to walk through the seasons that have crushed their heart to endure. Rarely do I read a book that captures my heart with every word written, but that is exactly what God of Comfort does. It has resonated deeply for me in my season of walking through loss that came from an unexpected illness. It has refreshed my soul and encouraged my heart. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your heart and writing this beautiful encouragement.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book by Lisa Appelo. She does a remarkable job of not only inviting you into her grief journey but comforting you as she shows the reader how God comforted her as she learned to do life without her husband. The author is no stranger to pain and heartbreak. But she's also no stranger to God. It is evident that her faith in Him was her anchor not only in helping her survive the loss of the love of her life but also helping her move forward and find her footing again after his death. This book includes Bible verses that comfort grieving hearts, prompts to write about in your journal and heartfelt poems open with honesty. Appelo acknowledges that while your life changes dramatically after a significant loss, you can still find peace and joy in journeying through this world with Jesus Christ by your side. He will never leave you and He cannot die. He is guaranteed to support you in this life on Earth. We have hope in Him. What a wonderful message! If your heart is breaking, reach out to the Healer (God) and read this "God of Comfort" book as a companion.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭, I kept thinking about my friend whose husband is in hospice. I plan to give her this book, and I pray it brings her comfort in many ways.

These 50 devotions gently help readers walk through grief. When we are facing loss and deep emotions, there is no better place to turn than to God, our Creator and Comforter.

I love that this devotional is interactive and personal, with warm readings, Scripture, prayers, poems, and journaling prompts. It offers a peaceful feeling of strength and hope, while encouraging readers to take grief one day at a time. This is a beautiful and comforting book for anyone walking through a season of loss.

First Line (Introduction): This is for the one who wonders what the grief journey will look like and how to make it through.
Genre: Devotional, Journal
Author: Lisa Appelo
Page Count: 192

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has the thought of suddenly becoming a widow ever crossed my mind? Of course, but none of us actually thinks it could happen to us. Writer, speaker, and Bible teacher Lisa Appelo was widowed at 37-years-old when her husband passed away unexpectedly, leaving her with 7 children, aged 4 to 19. Now, Lisa bravely offers comfort to others who may face any life-changing loss.

GOD OF COMFORT is a beautiful 192-page hardback devotional journal. Each devotion begins with a brief personal story of Lisa’s journey along with a characteristic of God that applies. Everything is there to walk the reader through a painful but necessary process. Each section contains a Bible verse, a short prayer, and a prompt for journaling, all leading to the path of healing. The over-riding theme throughout the book is picturing grief in light of who HE is—the God of all comfort. He’s already there.

What a wonderfully helpful resource for anyone suffering a personal loss.

[Kathy Scheffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. I wish I would have had this book early on in my widowhood.

Each brief devotional often starts with Lisa Appelo sharing a story from her own experiences as a widow, followed by a Biblical example of a characteristic of God that she saw in her grief. Each entry starts with a single Bible verse and ends with a short prayer and a journaling prompt. These prompts are my favorite part of the book. They give the reader/griever a practical and honest way to process their own grief in light of who God is. I love that there is space to journal right within the book so that one can look back on it later and see the healing that has taken place in their life.

This is going to be my go-to book to gift anyone who had lost a loved one.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I began reading God of Comfort, I knew it was a treasure I would share with others.
God is good, even when our perception of good differs, because goodness is not defined by our circumstances but by His character. In God of Comfort, Lisa Appelo beautifully walks readers through God's attributes, helping them discover that each one offers comfort to the hurting heart.
Every chapter offers hope and reveals another facet of God’s comforting character. “The God Who Goes Before Me” was especially meaningful. What a comfort to know that He goes before us, stands behind us, and remains present in every step between. He truly is the God of all comfort.
— Lori Apon, Founder of Perspective Ministries and Host of the Raising Fatherless Kids Podcast

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read on grief. Lisa shares her own grief journey while encouraging others on their own journeys. She is honest and raw in these devotionals and points back to Scripture to get her through. She gives journaling prompts and shares honest poetry within the pages. I am not a widow but it has helped me with the losses I have had. I have a good friend who is a widow and I have shared several of the pages with her. I think it is such a good devotion for widows, but even those who have had other losses. Lisa is encouraging in her honest struggles she’s had. This is a book I will continue to refer back to.

I received this on netgalley but pre-ordered the hard copy and I can’t wait until it gets here so I can dive into the pages physically.

[Jodi Snowdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you in the middle of grief? Or do you know someone who is? Maybe you or your friend are walking through something hard and you wish you had something that could help. This is the book that I wish I had when I was going through my grief. God of Comfort written by Lisa Appelo is a devotional journal for the grieving heart. Each devotional is on a different character attribute of God. This is the book I wish I had when I was going through my grief. You definitely want to read this book full of wisdom and truth to help your hurting heart.

If you want to hear more about this book, you can check out my conversation with Lisa on episode 256 on the Depth Podcast. https://jodisnowdon.com/256-god-of-co...

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief lasts far longer than many understand and can spill out in unexpected moments and ways. Author Lisa Appelo understands that and offers hard-earned wisdom for those who are grieving. The fifty devotions in God of Comfort allow readers a window into the compassion of God and His heart for those who are hurting.

With its reflective questions and space for journaling, this devotional is a safe space to pour out thoughts, feelings, questions, and even doubts, while the devotions offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of being understood. The poems scattered throughout are touching in their raw honesty. A beautiful resource for hurting hearts.

[Christine Gustin (christinebookstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The way through grief isn’t a method or a prescription. The way through grief is a person: God of comfort.”

Friends—This book is incredible 😭💛🙌🏽

I’ve read many books on the topic of grief and this one might have just become my favorite. It’s real, raw and relatable. Reading this feels like sitting down with a friend who has been in the depths of despair and has come to carry you to the feet of Jesus.

Highly recommend to everyone walking through grief.

Age recommendation: teen and adult.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and eARC of this book! All thoughts expressed here are my own.

[Krystyna Grzelak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read God of Comfort by Lisa Appelo, and it’s a book I know I will return to again.

One line in particular stayed with me: “The way through grief isn’t a method or a prescription. The way through grief is a person: the God of all comfort.”

Those words capture so clearly what this book does—it gently leads you toward knowing this Person more deeply.

I’ve been a widow for seven years now, and still this book met me right where I am. It isn’t only for those in the first raw months of loss. What Lisa writes is exactly what I have felt—and what I continue to feel at times. Whatever unfulfilled needs you carry, whatever lacks you feel, whatever challenges you face, she keeps pointing back to God, the only One who can truly walk us through grief and through life after loss.

This book also helps you gain a broader perspective — to lift your eyes and shift your focus from the pain you are feeling to the future, to hope, to eternity… to the Everlasting and Ever‑loving God.

[Karen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy. Lisa does a fantastic job of using Scripture to bring comfort to a grieving heart. I am a widow myself, and I highly recommend this book to other widows. I also recommend it to the bookshelves of pastors and church staff to have as a resource for when they encounter a widow. Every new widow is different, some claim to God's word and others resent His word, but as a believer I believe every widow will come back to the God of all comfort and Lisa's book will be there to help them come to Him and receive all that God desires to give.

[Jerry Woodbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Appelo has captured the true character of God in this comprehensive book, God of Comfort. If you have a grieving heart or know someone who does, this book is for you. It contains 50 devotionals, prayers, and 8 poems I can relate to in my own widowhood. I love the chapter on God Who Repurposes, "God repurposes our suffering so we can minister to others." Lisa did not choose to lose her husband, but she has allowed God to redeem her circumstance and share His wisdom with others. Jerry L. Woodbridge, AUthor of Joy Overcame Sorrow

[Lyli Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional has helped me heal and find hope again after crawling through a very dark season of pain and loss. Each devotional describes a unique aspect of God's character and reminded me that God is with me. God sees me. God knows my pain. Lisa shares with vulnerable honesty and feels like a good friend who has "been there" and understands what I need to hear. I am so thankful for this life-giving, Biblically sound resource, and I know I am going to buy it over and over again as a gift for friends.

[Kristi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a beautiful book, especially considering the difficulty and harshness of the grief journey. From the relatable devotions and sweet poems to the beautiful artistry on the pages and cover, this book assures that "your grief is welcome here." In fact, I've already gifted it a couple of times. It's definitely one I'll considering sending in lieu of flowers, cards, etc. because it'll sit with the recipient for a while, like a much-needed, lingering hug. Lisa Appelo

[Kristine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I had when I walked through deep loss. It’s also the book I’m glad I have right NOW. Because whether we’re walking through fresh grief, or it’s been years since saying goodbye to our loved one, we need the truth, grace, and support this book offers. I’ll be keeping my copy on the shelf and grabbing a few for gifts. I highly recommend it.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

[Betsy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa has allowed God to take a tragedy she would have never chosen to help others walk thru the hard pain of loss. She is very honest about her own grief journey, and it is this honesty that makes God of Comfort the ideal devotiional to help someone walking their own grief journey.

Lisa is a friend, and I can say with certainty that she lives out what she shares in this devotional.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

God of Comfort has been such a gentle nudge to focus on God through my grief. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming in difficult situations, and this book draws focus back to God and the comfort he longs to give us if we will just focus on Him. It won’t change the situation, but it gives my heart courage and comfort to trust God with it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure wish I’d had this journal several times over the years while navigating grief. To see God’s presence in your life in the midst of the storm is an assurance that you will make it through. By concentrating on God’s character, Lisa walks the grief stricken through the process, encouraging reliance on never-failing truths. A godsend.

[Julie Sunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just for those facing fresh grief, this powerful book by one who has walked through great loss will speak to all suffering hearts.

"Grief is not wasted ground. Keep planting good seed in your hard story because what looks fallow now will be filled with songs of joy. Trust that God is mending your heart and restoring your life in ways you can't begin to imagine."

[Natalie Polutta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all! Lisa does a beautiful job pointing readers to who God is and why it matters in this devotional. I have been blessed every devotion I have read, and I am excited to continue reading to the end. I highly recommend!

[jodi ruhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of devotions based on the character of God and is so encouraging for any circumstance in which you find yourself because it re-focuses our eye on the One who can sustain, comfort and guide us. Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps me keep my eyes on the source of all comfort. It meets the grieving heart in a real and personal way. Lisa writes with honesty and helpfulness that meets me where I am and brings me comfort.

[Vicki Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa knows all about grief and in her new book, she shares her journey through hard seasons in her life! Readers will be comforted and gain encouragement to navigate their own seasons of grief and grow closer to the God of all comfort in the process!

[Kathy Luparello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this book. I read her first one, Life Can Be Good Again and it helped me so much on my grief journey. This one is another gem for anyone looking for support to navigate their grief.

[Paris Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

From an author who knows THE only comfort comes from God - she’s lived and now will help us find it!