Living with Loss

Pain and Loss

The death of those we love is always devastating. It is as though a part of us has also died.

We wonder if the sense of pain and loss will ever stop – and whether anyone really understands.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.  Psalm 34:18

Tears and Questions

We have many different emotions at times like this. It is natural to feel and express them.

I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief…..The LORD has heard my weeping. Psalm 6:6-8

Compassion and Understanding

The Lord both knows and understands how we feel in our loss. He is the God who wants to bring comfort.

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are. Psalm 103:13-14

God brings comfort whether we journey slowly or quickly through our grief, God brings his comfort.

………………in our anger and numbness: God understands us
I cry out to the Lord. I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn. Psalm 142:1-3

………………….in our guilt and regret: God gives us peace

Jesus said: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I  give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

…………………in our fear and doubt: God holds us

For I hold you by your right hand – I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
Isaiah 41:13

……………………in our isolation and loneliness: God is with us

The Lord said: “Don’t be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9

The LORD is my shepherd: Coping with today

The day can be painful and daunting.
We need strength for each day.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He renews my strength. Even when I walk
through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Psalm 23:1,3-4

Getting through the night

Nights can be lonely, empty, and sleepless. We feel overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:1,8

Believing in tomorrow

The thought of tomorrow and beyond can leave us frightened, hopeless, and confused.

“I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:1-3,8

Hope beyond tomorrow

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had
disappeared. God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.”
Revelation 21:1,4

My future is in your hands: A Prayer for trust in God

For today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes … I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. “But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands. Psalm 31:9-10,14-15