Persevering in the Faith Through Grief
Sorrow by definition is a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others. Ever wondered how you handle the pain? How do you endure grief, disappointment, and loss without losing your mind or giving up?
You may have asked “God, how do I keep going when it hurts so bad? God, do you even understand what I am going through?”
In Psalms, 31 David is deeply distressed with sorrow. He is pleading with the Lord by saying “Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. He later goes on to say, "Be gracious with me Lord because I am in deep distress. My eyes are worn out from frustration."
Grief is "deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.”
David is grieving and He is expressing everything troubling him to the Lord. How could David say “I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction”?
What is there to rejoice about David? One might ask. What is there to be thankful for when I just took a hit in my life? I just lost someone close to me. I just got let go of my job. I’m not sure what your struggle is but I’m here to remind you, God is still faithful in what we do not understand.
David needed deliverance and freedom from his sorrow. Psalms 31:14 says, “But I trust you, Lord. I say You are my God.” Through it all, David puts His hope and trust in the Lord.
Sorrow is hard. Sorrow is frustrating. Sorrow doesn’t always make sense. Thank you God, that when nothing else seems to help, your love and grace lift us in troubling seasons of our lives. God is our strength in times of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Steps to Persevering through Grief:
Admit and confess to yourself the areas of your life where you are grieving.
Admit and confess your grief to the Lord through prayer.
Talk with a trusted friend or therapist about the areas you are grieving so they can stand with you, pray with you, and support you.
Find things you enjoy doing like journaling, going for a walk, brunch with friends, or hanging with those that you love.
Remind yourself that sorrow doesn't last forever.
“Our hearts will never be fully at home in this fallen world of tragedy and loss but were created to praise the Hope of Glory. Give Him thanks in your sorrow, even....especially, if it’s muted.” -She Reads Truth
