Reframing Grief

What would it look like to reframe your grief? To re-frame an issue, we choose a different perspective; for example, we can look for anything positive that came from the situation and hold on to that, focusing on God's goodness in light of our pain. 

Can beauty come from terrible grief (Isaiah 61:3)? Can we look at the same loss with a different, more thankful and positive outlook? We believe the answer is a resounding YES! 

As Christians, we have reframed the death of Jesus. It was a terrible event, but it ended with beautiful redemption. So we can reflect back on His death with thankfulness. Although it is still painful to think about his suffering, we can thank God for Jesus’ willingness to endure death for our freedom.

Have you identified anything good that has come from your pain? This doesn’t mean that your sorrow will vanish or that your hurt is any less valid. However, what the enemy meant for evil, God can use for good (Gen. 50:20).

We decided that we did not want our hurt to be wasted. We didn’t want the enemy to win. When we walked through grief, we felt lonely. So we determined to reach out to others who are facing grief. 

If we offer others some  community amidst their toughest days, we win. Finding the good can help us realize that we are strong. We are resilient overcomers who refuse to allow the tragedy of this world to defeat us.

Have you relied on God more than usual? Did your family grow closer? We are not suggesting that your pain was good; rather, we believe there is always good on the horizon because God is present and His goodness illuminates hope in the darkness (Romans 8:28).

Let's pray.

God, 

Help me reframe my grief experience. As I have been taught to look at the beauty in Jesus’ suffering, I can learn to see beauty in my pain. And out of that, You will receive glory. To see differently, I need Your perspective. Open my eyes to see. 

Amen.