Grief
You know it well. The swell of sadness that catches you off guard. Pain wrapped in confusion and anger. A weight that some days feels sharp and suffocating, and other days feels heavy but manageable. Grief. It’s both shocking and numbing. It leaves you feeling raw and exhausted.
In a season of devastating loss, I remember channeling my every frustration at the Lord. I went to God to blame Him, accuse Him and question Him. But while I was in His presence, I also felt peace I couldn’t find anywhere else. God’s Word was the only place I felt comforted—my only source of hope. It was in the pages of my Bible where I was reminded I was not the first person to ever experience grief and I wouldn’t be the last.
God never intended for His children to endure such a deep, painful emotion when He gave us the unique opportunity to have feelings. But on this side of heaven, it is a part of every human experience. So what do you do with your grief? God invites you to bring it to Him. He invites you to pour out your shattered heart so that He can slowly pick up the pieces. In His presence, you can find the joy and peace you long for. It doesn’t mean your grief will disappear, but you will be comforted by your Father and find the strength to press on as He gently reminds you of His goodness.
What does the Bible say about grief?
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Lamentations 3:20-23 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed; for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
John 11:32-35 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about
you.
Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God,
Thank you for hearing my prayers; for listening to me in my moments of deep pain and confusion. I am weary from grief. Help me to remember that your word promises “that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18) when Jesus returns. Right now, that feels so far away. I ask you to renew my trust and hope in you. Give me the strength I need to get through today. Thank you for carrying this grief with me and promising to restore my joy. I love you and I trust you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.