Grief Is a Process: Moving From Why To What

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Grief Is a Process: Moving From Why To What

Handling Loss and Grief

Living Free Every Day

Today's Scripture
"The Lord also keeps safe those who suffer. He is a safe place in times of trouble." Psalms 9:9-10 NLV

Thoughts for Today
Have you or someone you know lost a loved one recently? Grief involves a process toward healing and renewed hope.

Recovery from the death of a loved one requires being open with God and inviting him to teach us truths that can be discovered in no other way. As a result, we can draw closer to him, find shelter and healing in his safe place and become better equipped to help others who are facing major challenges in their life.

Grief involves a series of steps. When approaching the last steps, many people reach a resistance stage—they resist fully accepting the death. Acceptance involves recovering from the shock of the loss and overcoming denial … confronting anger and channeling it appropriately … dealing with depression. Only as we face these challenges can we accept the loss and submit it to the sovereignty of God.

Acceptance brings us to the point of replacing the "Why?" question with some "What" questions: "Lord, what do you want me to learn from this loss in my life? What do you want me to do now?" He will then be able to show us how to move to recovery.

Consider this …
If you are going through this painful process, it is vital for you to remember that you are not alone. Jesus is with you. He is a safe place in times of trouble. Be honest with him — share your thoughts and feelings. He understands — and he cares.

Prayer
Father, sometimes I feel so frightened and alone. I know it's time for me to begin moving on … but I'm having a hard time letting go of the grief and pain. Thank you for the safe place you provide. Thank you that I can share my real feelings with you — and that you understand. I pray that you will show me what my next steps are and continue to help me as I begin to take them. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Handling Loss and Grief: How to Face Losses in Life and Grieve Christianly by Raymond T. Brock, Ed.D. As a person goes through this group they will be able to identify what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. To grieve is human; how to grieve Christianly is supernatural. It requires us to invite the Holy Spirit to guide us through the grieving process. This study also provides guidance in the use of Scripture to help the grieving. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss and comfort to those who have faced loss.

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