Does the Bible say anything about overcoming grief / processing and handling grief?

Quick answer

: Grief occurs in many instances, such as when our plans are derailed, when our feelings are hurt, and when a loved one dies. God also experiences grief and grieves with us. By placing our hope in Him, we can navigate grief’s pain and find strength to heal and move forward.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Throughout the Bible, many people, even God, experienced grief. God felt, and still feels, grief at the sinful choices of people. The Israelites, as a nation, went through times of grief when they were convicted of turning away from God. People like Jacob, Joseph, David, and even Jesus experienced grief at the loss of those close to them. In the midst of their grief, they turned to others who could grieve with them, so as not to be alone. They drew near to God in their time of sorrow through prayer and worship, knowing that He would be near to them. After grieving, they continued with their lives, keeping in memory those they lost.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the time of Noah, preceding the flood, God looked over creation and felt great grief at the sinful choices and evil actions of the people on earth (Genesis 6:5–6).

When Moses and Aaron died after leading the Israelites out of Egypt, all the people mourned each of them for thirty days (Numbers 20:29; Deuteronomy 34:8).

Upon the death of his father, Jacob, Joseph and his whole family showed him honor through burial and love in their mourning. They grieved together and spent time with one another in their pain (Genesis 50:1–10).

After the death of one of David’s sons, David finished mourning, got up, tended to his own needs, and worshiped God in spite of his deep grief (2 Samuel 12:20).

When we are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, God is close to us (Psalm 34:18).

Throughout life, there are appropriate times for everything. There are times when it is right to be happy and joyful, but there are also times when grief is appropriate and understandable (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

When Jesus’ good friend, Lazarus, passed away, Jesus and his disciples went to see the family. When Jesus saw their grief, He, too, expressed His own pain at Lazarus’s death, even though He would shortly raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:23, 33–35).

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he reminds them that they are able to comfort others who are grieving because they themselves have been comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica that, upon losing a brother or sister in Christ, we should not grieve without hope, as the world does. Our grief holds the knowledge of seeing that person again in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

When we are grieving, we can draw near to God and be comforted with the knowledge that He will also draw near to us (James 4:8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Grief is something we all will experience in some form at some point in our lives. It can feel overwhelming and impossible to deal with at times, but it doesn’t have to be. In our attempt to overcome grief, there are a few things to remember. First, grief is a right and godly emotion. Second, grief can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning, and should not be rushed. Third, there is a time for moving forward. Fourth, gathering together, setting up visible reminders, taking care of our physical and spiritual needs, and reaching out to comfort others are practical ways to move forward. And finally, holding on to the hope of resurrection and allowing the joy of the Lord to be our strength will sustain us as we walk the long road of overcoming grief.

UNDERSTAND

Grief is experienced by everyone, even God.

There is a time for grief.

Overcoming grief is a process that can be made easier by relying on God and others for comfort.

REFLECT

How do you personally experience grief, and in what ways do you turn to God for comfort during those times?

When facing grief, how do you balance listening to your feelings with trusting God’s promise of hope and restoration?

In what ways can you allow others to come alongside you to grieve together and support your healing process when you grieve?

ENGAGE

How have biblical examples of grief shaped your understanding of how to process and handle your own grief?

What practical steps can we take, as believers, to support one another through grief while pointing each other toward God’s comfort?

How does the hope of resurrection influence the way we view and respond to grief in our daily lives? How does grieving this way serve as a witness to a world that grieves differently?