By The FirstGrief is something that strikes everyone. It doesn’t matter your age, race, origin, or life status. When we find ourselves in the midsts of it, where can we turn? Well, God has a lot to say about grief in the Bible. So we’ve compiled 10 verses to help you deal with grief.
The Lord is near
- The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 NIV
God is always near – whether you are grieving or not. His word provides hope and comfort when we need it most. This Psalm is a reminder that no matter what is weighing on our hearts, God is a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. For more on this Psalm, see here.
God cares
- The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.– Psalm 23:1-6 NIV
This popular verse was written by David while he hid in a cave from an entire country that was trying to kill him. Through his persecution, his desperation and his despair, he praised God for being steadfast. David described God as a shepherd and us as the flock. He continued to describe God’s character as protecting us from evil and providing comfort and hope despite the odds stacked against us. For a more in-depth study on this Psalm, consider this resource.
Light is coming
- Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. – Psalm 139:12 NIV
Our world is full of terrifying unknowns and anxiety-causing speculation. But there is nothing that can be hidden or obscured from God. He is a light in our lives and has provided us with His word as guidance when we feel as if there is no hope. For more on this Psalm, consider this analysis.
Mourning is good
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Matthew 5:4 NIV
This verse, part of the Sermon on the Mount, foreshadows the kingdom of heaven. It does not mean that mourners will feel joy or be happy despite the loss of a loved one. It points towards our salvation through Jesus Christ and how we will be reunited with them in heaven for eternity. For more on this verse, see here.
Jesus grieved
- Jesus wept. – John 11:35 NIV
The story of Lazarus is one of the most profound examples of what God has to say about death and grief. Jesus Christ, who knew he was the son of God and could perform any miracle on earth, openly wept and grieved with his friends when he heard of Lazarus’ death. This is a powerful reminder that God feels what we feel and weeps with us when we endure loss and suffer pain. For more on this part of scripture, see here.
Trust God
- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.– Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
God’s plan is always at work and we will never truly understand what is being set in place when something tragic happens. This does not diminish a loss but it can provide hope to those left behind that something greater is happening. This verse is jam-packed with applicable instruction to use in our everyday life. Find out more here.
It gets better
- I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 NIV
God acknowledges our pain, suffering and losses. He grieves with us for what we experience here on earth. But His promise of eternity in heaven is awaiting each and everyone who follows and submits to Jesus Christ. While this verse is more traditionally used to discuss the persecution that Christians will face and how we will experience the same kind of pain and suffering that Jesus did during his trial and crucifixion, it is a reminder of what is waiting for us all. For more on this verse, visit here.
We will see them again
- Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV
The Gospel calls Christians to reject this world and not conform to it. The same holds true when it comes to grief. While it is natural to grieve and God grieves with us (see number 5 of this post), Christians are called to focus on the hope and promises of Jesus: He died for us so that we may salvation and spend eternity in heaven. Therefore, if you believe in Him and pass away, you are with Him eternally. For an in-depth analysis of this verse, read more here.
Shared sorrow
- And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:7 NIV
God wants an intimate relationship with each and every one of us. He wants to share in our triumphant, where we give Him the glory, and to share in our grief, where we turn to His word for comfort and hope. This gospel, written by Paul, reminds followers that we will all experience suffering and loss on earth. But that does not mean we should give up hope and faith. For more on this verse, read here.
Joy is coming
- So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. – John 16:22 NIV
This is yet another verse that reminds Christians that there will be grief and pain in our lives, but that we have so much to look forward to in our salvation through Jesus Christ. While we will face persecution and pain, we will spend eternity in heaven. For more on this verse, consider this analysis.
Has this been helpful? Share it with someone who needs some encouragement.