Overcoming The Monster Of GriefSample

 Understanding the Grieving Process 

When hit by major life losses, we must “work through” them, not suppress them in an attempt to move on. What is the process of working through a life-altering loss? Understanding these two things will help you: 

1. Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief “buried” is unfinished business. In the guise of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc., it’ll constantly resurrect itself in search of resolution, even if it takes years. 

2. Mourning is the “work of grief.” God has appointed a season with a definite beginning and ending in which He intends you to do the fruitful work of grappling with your painful feelings. It takes as long as it requires, depending on how great the loss and the spiritual, relational and emotional health of the mourner.

The process God designed ultimately produces healing and readiness to reengage with life and the future. You’ll either complete your grief or repeat your grief. You’ve completed it when you can remember the loss without being immobilized by it! 

This process takes time. In the waiting, God means to produce patience, maturity, understanding, and character in us. What God accomplishes in you while you’re waiting is often more important than the thing for which you’re waiting. It’s essential to process your grief, accept help, choose a right response, and to know that, at the end of the day, your joy comes from God.