Grief is unavoidable, and we will all experience it at some point in our lives. So how do we move through it?
I attended a funeral this past weekend, and it got me reflecting, especially because it would've been the exact weekend my family and I would've been celebrating my grandmother’s 90th birthday, who went to see the Lord six months ago. Grief is different for everyone. It can come through the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a pet, a dream or goal, health, or a betrayal. It is a lifelong process, and it isn't something we can get over. There is nothing wrong with mourning and grieving (Matthew 5:4). Even Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). Be gentle with yourself and do not isolate yourself. Acknowledge your grief, feel it, and allow those emotions, whether it's anger, sadness, or disappointment. Invite God into it. He reminds us that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Talk about it with someone who is a safe space or part of your community. Be honest, and don't try to be strong for everyone else's sake. You are allowed to feel those emotions.
In the midst of the funeral ceremony, hearing loved ones cry and speak highly of their loved one who is no longer with them, and looking at the coffin and bright, beautiful yellow flower arrangements, tears began to stream down my eyes. I was reminded how short life really is, and how much we should enjoy the small moments when we're together, laughing and making memories. That's why I choose to cherish those spontaneous girls' nights, the unstoppable laughter, the deep heart-to-heart conversations, and the trips and time with family. How often we take it for granted, thinking we have all the time in the world, but moments so quickly turn into memories. In life's mundane moments, choose joy, forgiveness, and love. We know that as believers, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b). Since tomorrow isn't promised, rejoice in the hope that we'll be in heaven where there will be no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4).
Key Verse
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5b
Journal Prompt
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What am I grieving right now, and what does this loss mean to me?
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What does it look like for me to give myself permission to grieve without feeling like I have to “move on”?
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Where have I seen God meet me in the middle of my pain, even when I didn’t understand why the loss happened?
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How can I honor what I have lost while still allowing myself to hope for what is ahead?
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