For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest…A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 NLT
The struggles and hardships of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and blindsided by very real grief and a tangible sense of loss. The mounting hurts of unexpected worldwide tragedies have caused emotional confusion, chaos, and suffering for so many people.
No matter how deep your emotional pain, God can help you find comfort, hope, and even purpose during any season of grief. As you experience anything from cultural changes to economic hardships, the impact of grief will be personal and unique for every individual. Any season of grief will demand that you devote time to learning how to work through your losses. In your pain you may be experiencing a few of the stages of grief, such as:
- Denial: You have initial reactions to a crisis, like panic and fear. Your circumstances may feel like a bad dream that isn’t really happening.
- Anger: You are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and fear about your life. You turn to anger in an attempt to take back control of your life.
- Depression: You feel hopeless, a deepening sadness, or you are completely disinterested in your life.
- Acceptance: You eventually begin to feel a new sense of normalcy and vision for life again. This is the season when you begin to work through your grief and start seeing hope for your future.
If you are grieving, what should you do? Here are a few tips for working through grief.
- Turn to God’s Word for comfort and strength daily. God is our ultimate comforter and source of strength. Search for promises in the Bible you can hold onto. The book of Psalms is a great place to start looking. Use Scripture to help build your sense of identity on who God says you are.
- Find community. Grief is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Determine to find a friend to share your emotional pain. You need someone to talk to who will listen and support you through this season.
- Practice good self-care. Make sure you’re sleeping, eating well, exercising, drinking water, and getting outside to enjoy nature. Be aware of what kinds of media you’re consuming. Avoid anything excessively negative or dark.
- Become adaptable. We can’t control the world, but we can do our part by staying optimistic and positive in Christ. The world is going to change continuously, and no matter what season we’re in, we should always endeavor to be kind, gentle, and compassionate. Reflect and ask God how He is changing you.
Prayer
Father, help me to trust and worship You even in the midst of hardship. I give You my grief, pain, and worries. May Your will be done as I rest in Your provision and promises today. Help me to examine my heart for areas that I need to address where I tend to drift into the distractions of life. Even during a season of suffering and grief, may I bring You glory today and forever. Amen.
