We live in a fallen world where pain and loss are a part of the human condition. Whether it is the loss of a job, a home, a beloved pet, a close relationship, or the death of a loved one, all of us have or will eventually have occasion to grieve. It is a natural part of life, and yet most people have no idea how to deal with it. Much has been written on this topic, but I do have a few thoughts that I would like to share with you based on my own experiences with loss.
Grieving is a process.
Like most things in life, grieving is indeed a process. When dealing with a loss, allow yourself to go through the entire process. While there are some general stages of grief that we all seem to go through, the rate and manner of grieving is different for everyone. Even though it is hard, don’t avoid it. Give yourself permission to release all of those feelings so that you can begin to heal.
It’s okay to ask for help.
This whole process can be overwhelming at times. Change is hard and we don’t always know how to respond. There are many different ways to deal with intense heartache and pain. Some are healthy and some are not. When we are hurting, we don’t always make the best choices. You don’t have to go through this alone! There is no shame in asking for help. Talking with a close friend or wise counselor can give you some extra support in moving through this process.
Sometimes when we are hurting it is hard to remember that God is with us and wants to help us. Psalm 34:18 tells us “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” He is always available and has a never-ending supply of grace, peace, and love waiting for you. Cry out to God and allow Him to start healing your broken heart.
Keep moving forward.
Wherever you are in the grieving process, make it your goal to keep moving forward. Prolonged grief can be harmful. The only way to avoid getting stuck is to keep making forward progress. After you have been sitting with the pain for a while, there will come a time when you will know that you need to do something. Get out of bed. Take a walk. Go do something for someone else. God will continue to do a healing work in your heart even as you reach out to others who are hurting. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
The grieving process can be challenging. If you are in the midst of this, my prayer for you today is that you will feel God’s comforting presence more than ever. I pray that He will bring healing and restoration to your heart and gently guide you in the days to come.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”~ Psalm 147:3
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”~ Matthew 5:4