Hope in Grief

We’ve all had loss, even more so this year as we have endured the pandemic loss on a grand scale has become a part of our identity. Grief and loss can come in so many forms. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, loss of a job or relationship, loss of what could have been. Loss of every sort can send us spiraling. It can have us questioning why. Why is this happening? Why did God take this person from us? Why did we lose our job? Sometimes even Christian’s question whether God truly has the best plans for us; as He promises us in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”It’s hard to see how things can work together for good. Unfaltering devotion to Him in the midst of life’s storms, peace in knowing He’ll never leave or forsake you, and the reassurance that His plans are perfect, even when we don’t understand them. God PROMISED His plans were only for good as promised in Romans 8:28, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Grief is not linear; you do not follow a set process from start to finish. You might think that would be easier but no, it means it can be such a roller coaster. One of the most common things I am asked when someone is starting their journey is “Am I normal?” And my answer is always yes. Yes, you are normal, everyone going through grief reacts differently. What you are feeling right now is ok, it does not mean your grief is wrong or weird, just that it’s how you’re grieving. The thing with grief and healing is that you cannot see the end of the tunnel! But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.God promises to give us rest in Mathew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He cares about every detail of your life and longs to help you in any circumstance. Say yes to the graces God offers as you seek comfort, courage, peace and strength. Reach out to family members and friends who can help in God’s love. The more you get to know others who have experienced the same losses, the better you’ll feel about your place in this world…And in the community of people who are on the journey with you. You need a place to share your thoughts, feelings, and fears. Be encouraged and find comfort in the knowledge that there are other people who know exactly what you are going through.Download the Christian Therapist On Demand app today and speak with a licensed Christian counselor or join a FREE Christ Centered Emotional Support group to get support and gain skills. For more resources visit christiantherapistod.com.