Christian Foundations

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. --Psalm 31:9

Author Edgar Jackson describes grief: 

“Grief is the silent, knife-like terror and sadness that comes a hundred times a day, when you start to speak to someone who is no longer there. 

“Grief is the emptiness that comes when you eat alone after eating with another for many years. 

“Grief is teaching yourself to go to bed without saying good night to the one who has died. 

“Grief is the helpless wishing that things were different when you know they are not and never will be again. 

“Grief is a whole cluster of adjustments, apprehensions, and uncertainties that strike life in its forward progress and make it difficult to redirect the energies of life.” 

Few things are as painful as grief—especially when having to adjust to the loss of a spouse. Even though we all know that death will one day come to each one of us, we still can never be prepared enough to deal with the sense of loss and intense sadness that comes when death takes a loved one.

If you are dealing with grief, then you can find healing in a grief recovery group through your local church, senior center, or hospital. There are others out there who have dealt with grief and mended from the loss of a loved one before. Begin searching for that person with whom you can share your thoughts, feelings, and tears.

Finally and above all, seek healing in the arms of the Lord and His Word. It’s only natural to ask Him “Why?” and “How come?” when someone we love passes away. But He is the ultimate Healer of our hearts and sovereign in His timing.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to give you strength to take steps forward toward healing if you are experiencing grief. Pray that He would give you someone to share with in your journey.