We don’t have to read far into the Bible to come face to face with loss and grief. It is a thread that continues throughout the entire book, from Adam and Eve to Revelation. Healing after loss is always unique. There may always be that forever “tender spot” that aches when we press into it, but we can learn how to ride its waves and rest in the hope we have in Christ.
Grief and loss come in many forms. The death of a loved one can trigger it, but also comes through divorce or relationship loss, a job loss, a health crisis (cancer, infertility, etc.) and many other circumstances.
The Reality of Grief
Grief is an intensely personal experience that may come wrapped in pain and exhaustion. It can touch us physically (changes in appetite/sleeping), emotionally (everything from sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, etc.) and spirituality (questioning God’s plan/timing/purpose.)
Grief is not a lack of faith, but a natural reaction to loss and a reflection of your love. We need to allow ourselves the time, work, and grace it takes to grieve. This is how we eventually heal.
Grief is a journey we all take, but it’s not a destination to live in forever. It can feel overwhelming; like an ocean wave pulling you under, threatening to drown you.
Eventually, however long it takes, it becomes a body of water you can swim in. The waves still come, but you ride them through.
“Grief never ends… but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… It is the price of love.” -Unknown.
God’s Presence in the Pain
While our healing process is highly personal and unique, know that God sees you, hears your prayers- even the unspoken ones, understands what you are feeling, and walks every step of your loss with you. We are never alone in our journey.
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 NLT.
God designed us with the natural response of crying tears when we are sad. Incredibly, tears can ease your stress and release hormones that bring pain relief (physical and emotional.)
John 11:35 tells us that even “Jesus wept”as He comforted Mary and Martha after the death of their brother. Jesus understands our emotions because He has felt them all, too. He encourages us to come close to Him in our times of loss-
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
Healing is a Process
There are no right or wrong ways to grieve. There are no set timelines or tidy boxes for your journey of grief.
It’s a process that takes time to unfold. While your path will lead you through hills and valleys, God’s presence will remain constant. He is with you even when He may feel far away:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
Hurting people have a special place in Jesus’ heart. Many things can break our hearts, but Jesus, our divine cardiologist, provides the best healing medicine.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3.
Knowing God would hear his cry comforted King David when he felt troubled. His words in Psalm 34:18 reminds us that our inescapable pain and sorrow comes wrapped in the promise that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Grieving with Hope
Grieving with Christian hope brings comfort within our pain. His promises and presence can bring peace and consolation. Leaning into our faith can bring strength to work through the heavy journey of grief.
Paul comforted the Thessalonians, who wondered what would happen to many of their fellow believers who had died-
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep [have died], so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
His words to the Thessalonian believers were to give them a view of the future and to help them concentrate on Christ’s victory over death and our glorious, eternal future.
There is hope after losing a loved one. We know where our loved one lives, and the knowledge of our future reunion brings us joy.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Revelation 21:4.
Encouragement for Today
Know that God never causes suffering in anyone’s life. We know He is loving, compassionate, and full of mercy. Our dark and broken world overflows with sin and troubles that affect all our lives.
Paul gives a beautiful sermon on God’s compassion and comfort for His people in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. It begins this way:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” V3.
He does this by bringing us strength, encouragement, and hope. He enters our suffering with us; sharing in our loss.
Simple Steps to Lean on God Daily
~Seek Christian grief support. Trained professionals can help you find healing, comfort, and strength. Their training equips them to support you and provide tools for coping and healing.
Your local church can offer counseling, resources, and care. There are also online support groups like Grief Share and Faith & Grief to help you navigate this journey.
~Look up verses about “Biblical Comfort for Grief” as a source of strength and encouragement.
~Allow yourself time for quiet moments of prayer and stillness before God. Connecting with Him daily provides guidance and compassion. Bring your honest emotions and struggles to Him.
~Journaling can also be a therapeutic way to process what you are going through. Write your thoughts, prayers, Bible verses, and reflections as you work through your grief.
Prayer for Healing After Loss
Heavenly Father,
My heart feels heavy and worn from grief. The loss I carry is deep, and it sometimes feels like too much to bear. I know You are near, though, because your Word says You are close to the brokenhearted. Please hold me in Your loving arms and give me the comfort that only You can provide. Remind me it’s okay to weep, to feel, and to heal slowly- one day at a time. Help me see glimpses of hope in each new morning and to trust that joy will return in time. Thank You for the promise that this pain is not the end of the story. Because of Jesus, I grieve with hope, and I know You are gently restoring what feels broken inside me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May you be blessed by resting in God’s peace and take each step forward with Him as your guide,
AnnMarie
My Mom passed very unexpectedly in 2002, and 17 years later I wrote a blog post about being stuck in my grief. God whispered into my ear one word that allowed me to move forward. Sharing grief stories can be helpful for both the writer and the receiver. You can read mine here.
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva
Good morning. I was wondering if there is ad free printable version. This past week while at my hair appointment, my stylist shared that her cousins 18 year old son was tragically killed in a horrible work related accident. My stylist asked me to pray for the family (a first). A few days later I opened your post and the words offer comfort and hope. I would love to give her copy in hopes that she might be able to share it with her cousin at some point.
I’m so sorry to hear about this terrible accident. I have added the family to my daily prayer list. How wonderful that she asked for prayer and yes, I have turned the post into a pdf document that you can either print out or email to your stylist. I emailed it to the address you used to comment. Hope that is OK. God bless you for your willingness to share His Words of comfort and love in this very difficult time.