Grief can overwhelm us. Whether a loved one went to be with the Lord after years of a difficult illness, or whether someone we cherished left this earth far sooner than we ever anticipated, sorrow can drown us for a very long time. We'll often turn to Scripture for Bible verses for grief to help offset the pain.
Even long after we lose someone, grief never dissolves at once. It can often return in spurts for years after.
Although believers may mean well, sometimes the words they use to comfort us can often hurt or not help us in the midst of our sorrow.
One of the best places to turn during a season of intense sadness is Scripture. These verses may be able to help during this difficult time:
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Psalm 147:3
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
During seasons of grief it may feel as though healing will never come. Our sorrow has opened up wounds we never think will close. But God is our Healer. When we turn to Him with our pain and hurt, He brings about healing and comfort.
When words from friends and family cannot fix the ache inside of us, God provides the restoration we need. It may not come suddenly, but He heals us overtime.
John 11:35
"Jesus wept."
Two words. It may seem like a simple verse, but it actually contains a great deal of power. Jesus empathizes with our pain. He stepped into our shoes and experienced every aspect of being human, including losing someone whom He loved dearly.
Even when He sees the future and transcends time, even if our loved one is no longer in pain they had experienced on earth, He sits with us in our grief and weeps with us.
Revelation 21:4
"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
When Jesus returns, there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. Although we may be drowning in intense sorrow at the moment, we have a future to look forward to. In such a future, no sickness or mourning will exist, and we will live in overwhelming joy in the place Jesus has prepared for us.
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Bible Verse For Grief: Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Jesus issues a list of blessings for those who, by most cultural standards, would not be considered blessed. He says the meek will inherit the earth, the poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of heaven, and those who mourn will be comforted.
Our culture often tries to avoid anyone who is grieving. They often want those who experience loss to move on or don't know the right words to say.
God reserves a blessing for those who mourn.
Psalm 18:28
"You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
Nothing feels quite as dark as a time of grief and sorrow. During this time, we don't have much strength to keep our lamps burning, keep our energies up. We have to force ourselves to go through the motions.
This verse can offer comfort for the believer who feels as though they have to force themselves to get out of bed. God transforms our darkness into light.
1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
God doesn't just want us to come to him during the joyful seasons and ignores us when we feel the greatest amount of pain and sorrow. He wants us to cast our cares on him because he cares for us. When praying, we can be completely honest about how we feel.
Even if we don't have the right words or even words in general, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us (Romans 8:26-27).
Psalm 18:2
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
When I think of the word comfort, what often comes to mind is a place to hide and seek refuge. During our times of grief, we are intensely vulnerable, and the devil will use this to his full advantage. But God offers a place for us to seek refuge under him. He will be our stronghold when we feel most weak.
Bible Verse For Grief: Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
All of Psalm 23 is a great passage for those who need comfort, but this verse in can offer encouragement for those who feel as though they've entered the darkest valley. God accompanies us, even during the darkest moments.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Jesus provides rest for those who feel burdened. Nothing can weigh more than grief and sorrow.
Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Grief can often crush us to the point where we few broken. But this verse assures us that God is not far away, and he will save us from the weights that suppress us.
Bible Verses For Grief: John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus had said this to his disciples when they feared about him leaving them. God has prepared a place for us in heaven, so we can join with him in joy and glory one day. He doesn't leave us in our pain but has prepared a beautiful future for us.
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Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a recent graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column “Hope’s Hacks,” tips and tricks to avoid writer’s block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young’s blog. Her modern-day Daniel, "Blaze," (Illuminate YA) just released, and they contracted the sequel for 2020. Find out more about her here.
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