Living Changed: Through Griefعينة

Keep Pressing

If you’re wondering where we go from here, there is no easy answer. There is no overnight solution that can end your heartache. Unfortunately, the pain of this loss may come and go until you reach Heaven, but it won’t always feel unmanageable like it does right now, especially if you keep pressing into the grieving process.

The day my dad died, I was the one who performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. For several years after that, every time I thought about my dad, my mind would land back in that terrible moment. It was such a hard memory for me to deal with that I did everything I could to avoid thinking about it–which only kept me stuck in my grief.

Then one day, I went on a trip with my women’s small group to the same small town where my dad died. We stopped at the same grocery store. We visited the same rest stop where we had taken our last family photo. We even found the valley where God met me and brought me peace. My friends were so patient and kind to listen as I processed everything I felt about revisiting the place where I experienced such tragedy.

After that trip, I could finally remember the good memories of my dad without reliving the trauma of that day. I needed distance from the event and space to process what happened. I needed friends to stand with me and love me through my grief. Only when I was willing to press into my grief was I able to break through to the other side.

Sometimes we need other people to help us process our grief. No one quite understands what it’s like to lose a loved one like someone who has lost a loved one. If you don’t have people around you who have experienced a similar kind of loss, I encourage you to find a support group to walk with you through your grief. But also remember that the One who understands you best will never leave your side.

At the end of the day, we have to be willing to share our grief with God. Processing with people who support you is helpful, but they aren’t there in the midnight hours when your grief feels unbearable. God will always be with you, and He’ll always be ready to hear the cries of your heart. Whether you need to cry out to Him in sadness or in anger, the beauty of our relationship with God is that no matter how we react to our heartache, we can’t push Him away. He will always be close to the brokenhearted, and He will be faithful to sustain us.

In a letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” This means that as followers of Jesus, we have unrestricted access to His strength so that we can endure even the hardest times of our lives.

When you feel pressed on every side, remind yourself that you are not crushed. You have the power of Christ living in you, and He makes you strong. When you start to doubt, remember who God is and everything He has done for you. You are precious to Him, and He won’t leave you stuck in your grief. Let the truth of His kindness and mercy wash over you and renew your strength to keep pressing forward.

Jesus, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for everything you continue to do. Remind me that when I feel weak, you are my strength. Help me to remember even when I feel pressed, I’m not crushed. Help me to continue to rely on you and to keep pressing into my grief. I know you will be with me every step through this dark valley, and I trust you to carry me safely to the other side. Help me to keep my eyes on you. Lord, give me an eternal perspective. Renew the joy of my salvation and let it fill me with hope for the future. In Jesus’ mighty and holy name, Amen.

We pray God used this plan to minister to your heart.
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