Table of Contents
Grief
Grief is part of the human experience. Loss is part of living, and grief is a natural reaction to loss. The Bible gives us many examples of God’s children who have experienced grief. In the Old Testament, we have the story of Job who experienced great loss and grief but God rewarded him greatly at the end. The Messiah was described as “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).
In the New Testament, Jesus was often moved by human grief. At Lazarus death, Jesus joined the mourners and wept even though He knew Lazarus will be raised from the dead (John 11:35; Matthew 23:37-39). Jesus identifies with our grief “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15).
God abides with us even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). The Lord sees our pain and feels with us. David wrote, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (Psalm 56:8). And added that the Lord is our refuge in time of pain (Psalm 91:1-2).
Jesus Bears Our Pain
Jesus does not only feel our pain but also carries our burdens (Matthew 11:30) because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Also the third person of the Godhead (Holy Spirit) is also named the comforter because He constantly comforts the believers (John 14:16).
God uses grief for our advantage. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Sorrow sets our priorities right. Solomon wrote, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
Therefore, choose to not dwell on your pain but instead focus on the positive moments in your life. The Lord teaches, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
And finally, God promises that grief is only temporary. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). So, be of good cheer, there is an end to mourning. While grief has its purpose, it also has its limit. For “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
