For Those Grieving This Easter
By: Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“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
Not everyone feels joy when Easter rolls around. Many of us experience immense grief, pain, and sorrow. Because of the annual tradition of leaving flowers on the graves of our loved ones on Good Friday, it can be difficult to return to a heart of celebration.
Every year since my mom passed away, my family and I have taken flowers to her grave. I cannot fully explain what this experience feels like, but over time, it can leave you feeling empty inside.
It doesn’t feel right knowing that your mother is buried beneath the ground. This is a pain I wish no one had to experience, yet most of us will face it at some point in our lives. My mom passed away when I was a teenager, but I believe the pain of losing a loved one is intense, no matter your age. Even if your parents pass away when you are much older, it is still painful to say goodbye.
This is because death is not natural.
It was never part of God’s original design for humanity to die. He created us to live forever. However, the fall of humankind changed everything (Genesis 3). Since that moment, we have had to live in a world marked by sin, pain, suffering, illness, and death.
While I know my mom is in Heaven with God, I still miss her deeply, and the pain can be overwhelming at times.
Just because we know our loved ones are in a better place does not mean our grief disappears. Here on earth, we still feel their absence. There will never be another Easter where my mom is physically with me. She didn’t see me graduate from college. She never saw me drive my first car, and she will not see the rest of my life unfold.
Perhaps you are experiencing your first Easter without someone you love, and grief feels especially heavy on your heart.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Jesus tells us, “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).
Even though Easter can remind us of our pain, it also reminds us of the beautiful salvation we have through Jesus. Death entered the world, but Jesus has overcome it (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). Praise the Lord that we do not have to live without the hope of seeing our loved ones again. We will see them again, and no one will ever take away our joy.
As Jesus said, now may be our time of grief. In this present season, we must allow grief to exist within us. This is something I have had to learn. I no longer see grief as an enemy. Instead, it reminds me of how deeply I love my mom.
I will not see her again in this life, but I will see her again in Heaven. When we reflect on this truth, the weight of sorrow begins to lift because we have eternity to look forward to.
This Easter, remember Jesus’ amazing grace and how He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). On Easter, we can grieve, but we can also worship God.
Even through tears, we can worship our powerful and loving Savior. Jesus does not demand that we always appear happy or put together. Instead, He welcomes our honest hearts and invites us to bring our true feelings before Him.
The love of the Lord far surpasses any love we experience on this earth. That is why He gave His life for our sins. As we reflect on this truth, we can praise Him for what He has done.
God will restore all things in His perfect timing. On that day, no one will ever take away our joy.
Are you grieving this Easter? How might you bring those feelings honestly before the Lord? Grief can be a reflection of the love we have for those we’ve lost. Does thinking about grief this way change how you view it? Why or why not?
Further Reading:
Revelation 1:18
Romans 6:23
Psalm 56:8
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Maria Korneeva
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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