Grief. It’s a tough word, and it’s an even tougher emotion. It can come in many forms, for many reasons and at any time. You may be grieving a lost job, a lost relationship, a medical diagnosis, the passing of a loved one, the wanderings of a family member, or the way of the world.
Why does God allow pain in our lives? I think, ultimately, it’s so we can find Him after exhausting all efforts to deal with our issues on our own. 2 Corinthians 12:10 “… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Once we do find Him, He will be with us every second of our lives – helping us, cheering us on, crying with us, lifting us up, protecting us, and loving us.
God does not cause bad things to happen, but He does provide His blessings through those bad things. This is so we will fully rely on Him, be made stronger, and to maybe someday help someone else through their grief. I cannot imagine going through life’s trials without Him. Sometimes He makes Himself known in a big way, sometimes it’s through little things, and sometimes He puts someone in our path to be our angel on His behalf.
In some of the examples above, in addition to praying through those hard times, we are called to push through, cry through, and work through our tough times. How does God answer our grieving prayers?
If you are grieving a lost job: When one door closes, God will open another one, one that’s even better than the path you were on! Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
If you are grieving a lost relationship: This person is probably not the person God has chosen to be in your life. Mourn, then be patient, pray and listen to Him. He will show you who He wants you to be with. Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
If you are grieving a medical diagnosis: Have faith. Faith in God and faith in your doctors and their team. The journey is hard. Sometimes we are healed and sometimes we are not. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
If you are grieving the passing of a loved one: Until the Rapture comes, we are all going to pass away. Celebrate the time you had with your loved one. Know that the grieving will never leave, but it will ease with time. Our separation is but for a moment compared to the greatest family reunion when we will spend eternity together in Heaven. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
If you are grieving the wanderings of a family member: This brings such great pain, watching a loved one struggle through life without the help of the Holy Spirit. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Lamentations 3:22-23 “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.”
If you are grieving the way of the world: Always remember whatever is
happening, God is still on His throne. Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
No two people grieve the same, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grieve how you need to grieve. Just remember that you are not alone in your grief. God is right there with you.