Biblical Insights on Grief

 In the last several weeks, our church family has been rocked with severe grief and unexpected, sudden death. When that kind of suffering strikes, the human tendency is to question God by asking, “Why?” “Why now, why this person, why me, why do my family and I have to suffer in this way?” We’re also tempted to judge God by exclaiming, “God, it just isn’t fair!”

These responses are nothing new. They have been given by God’s people over the centuries. Also, contrary to what we may demand, God provides no detailed explanation as to why things have happened as they have. He doesn’t justify his actions to us. Our responsibility is simply to believe that God is perfectly just, that he is thoroughly loving, and that he is infinitely wise. That belief is impossible on our own, but with God’s grace and power in Christ, it can be done. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

When severe grief and unexpected death strike, find comfort and hope in the Lord Jesus. God’s people through the ages have done so, and you can do the same today. Here are some Biblical insights to get headed in the right direction when the sorrow of loss darkens your path.

First, meditate on the God of the Scriptures. Shift your attention from the turmoil and pain of your immediate circumstances to the serenity and strength of almighty God. Consider the 23rd Psalm, and how the Lord is your Shepherd. Think upon Jesus as your great high priest who helps you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Remember that Jesus is preparing an eternal place for you and for all his people, according to John 14:1-3. Recall the words of Jesus to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Second, value temporal things less and eternal things more. We are easily enamored with the here-and-now, but when suffering or death strikes, we realize how fleeting this earthly life is. The only things that endure are the things that are eternal. So value the spiritual development of your children more than their academic achievements or their sports endeavors. Persistently pray for family members and friends to come to saving faith in Jesus and to grow in their walk with the Lord. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Third, spend time with God’s people. The tendency for many people who are grieving is to withdrawal from others and to be stubbornly independent. There are certainly moments when prayerful solitude has its place, but God created us to live in community. We do not exist as separate, self-sustaining disciples, but as members of a body knit together by the Holy Spirit. New life in Christ is new life in Christ with others, not new life in isolation. Also, often we are eager to give to others when they are in need but are reluctant to receive from others when we are in need. God calls us to do both as members of the body of Jesus. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

If you’re presently struggling with grief and loss, will you meditate on the God of the Scriptures rather than your own situation? Will you acknowledge the worth of eternal things? Will you spend time with God’s people, allowing them to minister to you? The Lord is faithful to help you with his mercy and grace, as you call upon him to do so.

With a shepherd’s heart,

Pastor David