The first time I experienced grief was after my beloved dog passed away. She was like a member of the family. After she passed away, my life completely changed. Endless summer days have turned into winter’s darkest nights. Eight months after the dog died, my mother passed away. It brought more sadness, pain and sadness into my life.
Perhaps you too are facing a season of grief. As you walk through your grief, it is important to think about God. God is with you through this season and brings hope to your heart. There are brighter days ahead, even if they don’t seem like it right now. Lean into the comfort of our Good Shepherd. God will surround you with peace.
1. You will see your loved ones again (John 16:22)
“So are you. Now is your time of sorrow, but I will meet you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22).
After losing a loved one, I felt empty. I grieved, cried, and blamed God. All these feelings are normal. As I studied the Bible, I realized that this was not the end. You will see your loved ones again (John 16:22). And so will you.
If our loved ones believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, they will be waiting for us in heaven. We may have to walk down the path of life for a while before we see them again, but we can rest in the comfort of knowing we will see them again. This is all thanks to the Lord (Romans 5:8). On this day, our tears of sadness turn into tears of joy. Praise the Lord for His mercy and love!
2. You are not alone (Psalm 73:23)
“Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).
We often feel alone when walking through grief. Even though others are also experiencing grief, we feel alone inside. At times like this we need to go to the Lord. Remember you are not alone. God is always with you, protecting you, guiding you, and helping you (Psalm 23:1-6).
Many people around you want to surround you with a comfortable environment during this period. It could be a family member, a friend, or your spouse. Although it may be tempting to push everyone away and hide, it’s important to talk to them, share your feelings, and feel safe with them. God placed these people in your life for a reason. Allow them to be the hands and feet of Jesus to you during this time.
3. God will heal your wounds (Psalm 147:3)
“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Sadness often makes us pessimistic about life. This is a normal reaction. But don’t let these feelings fester. We can come to the Lord and experience His healing. From Psalm 147:3 we learn that God heals our wounds. Rather than trying to go through our grief alone, we can allow God to be with us.
Are you currently accepting God into your life or have you pushed him away? Return to the Lord and sit at His feet. Remember, God did not cause your loved one to die. He did not intend for anyone to die (Genesis 3). Through the death of God’s Son, we can overcome death and enter God’s heavenly kingdom.
4. The Lord will go before you.
“The Lord himself will go before you and be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
When grief hits you, it can feel like a hurricane. The tears, pain, anger, and sadness just keep getting bigger and bigger. It’s okay to feel these emotions and let them go. While you sit in your pain, remember that the Lord will go before you. God is with you and will never leave you or forsake you.
This can bring great peace of mind when we are experiencing grief. Jesus goes before you into the storm of sorrow. God will protect you and surround you with comfort. Talk to God in prayer, ask for help, and find comfort in His loving kindness.
5. There is still beauty in your life
“But as it is written, ‘What eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, what no human heart has conceived,’ what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Grief makes us feel like there is no hope for our future. Acknowledge these feelings, but don’t let them become emotional. Life isn’t over. There are still many beautiful things waiting for you in your life. The Lord has great plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
The pain of losing a loved one can be heartbreaking. Don’t worry, the pain will reduce as it heals. Time does not heal all wounds. However, it may be helpful. Focus on Jesus and His future for you (Hebrews 12:2).
6. God will surround you with comfort.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that with the comfort we ourselves receive from God we can comfort those in any trouble” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
If I had to describe sadness in one word, it would be “drowning.” It fills me with sadness, sorrow, and pain. These feelings are not pleasant. Offer these feelings to God and let His comfort wash over you. God will pull you up out of the deep waters (Psalm 18:16).
God’s comfort knows no limits. It feels like a warm blanket on a cold winter day. Sit in the safety of your home, surrounded by the comfort of God. Please cry and be sad. There’s no need to be ashamed of your feelings. The greater the sadness, the greater the love.
7. You can experience God’s peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peace may seem impossible now, but it is already yours in Christ Jesus. Peace beyond all understanding awaits you. To experience this peace, we must come to the Lord in prayer and petition with gratitude in our hearts. Tell the Lord your desires and wait on Him. It is enough to say, “Lord, I cannot handle this sadness alone. Please bless me with your peace. Amen.”
The Lord hears all your prayers and surrounds you with peace, comfort, and love. Talk to God about your heartache. It can also be healing to share all your memories of your loved one with God. God will be happy to hear about your happy and sad memories. When you talk to God, you will begin to experience God’s indescribable peace.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/AlenaPaulus
Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. Check out more of her content on Cultivate.
