Unburdening the soul through grief (Part 3)

In part one of this three-part series, I discussed how grief is the God-given means by which we emotionally process the significant losses in our life. Then, in part two, I answered the question: “What does grief look like?”

In this final segment, I will answer the question, “Where is God in our grief?” The Bible says this about God’s presence, comfort, and healing when we grieve:

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18, ESV) 

Grief is a time when we can draw close to God and where He draws close to us. It is a time where we can get to know Him more personally, intimately and deeply.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction …" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a, ESV)

God is the source of ALL comfort. Grief is a time where we can receive His comfort. 

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalms 147:3, ESV) 

God is both a healer and restorer of the human heart. Grief is a time where we can experience emotional healing from a loss and realize restoration so that we can move forward in life.

Although it doesn’t feel like it, grief is God’s gift to us. It is a means not only of processing losses, but it is also a means of drawing close to Him and a means of experiencing His comfort, His healing and His restoration.

A couple of closing thoughts to wrap up this series:

It has been said that “the only way to avoid grief is to never love.” I would add this, “to never love is to never truly experience life.” When we lose someone or something we love, there will be grief, but please keep this mind: “Grief is a season, not a sentence;” it will not last forever.

Finally, as Christians, we need to always keep in mind God’s promise and hope of an eternity with Him where “there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4).

Jim Kubiak serves as a pastor-at-large and Grief Share facilitator in Bonner County. He can be reached at JimKubiak7@gmail.com.