More Than You Can HandleSample

 Healthy Grief

When life hurls you a monstrous curveball, rather than trying to spin the calamity and pretend it’s all good, sometimes it helps to call it what it is — hard.

Boy, that felt good.

Nobody saw it coming when a virus brought life as we knew it to a screeching halt. The grief experienced around the globe was, and still is real, fresh, and unprecedented. Jon Tyson, pastor of Church of the City New York, reminds us, “If we don’t grieve now, later we will grieve in unhealthy ways.” 

But, what does healthy grief look like? What can I do today to come out stronger on the other side of this storm?

• Acknowledge the situation. Say it out loud or write your thoughts in a journal. Tell the Lord exactly how you’re feeling. Are you angry? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Confused? Isolated? It’s OK. He already knows. 
• EGR.  Extra grace required. Whenever the world gets turned upside down, it’s likely we won’t do and say everything right. You’ve never traveled this exact path before. Do you ever have a day when you have to repeat in your head, “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry”? I know I do. Whether, you’re still adjusting to the awkwardness of social distancing, or whatever ”new normal” you’re experiencing, give yourself and others extra grace. 

I’m thankful for the timeless reminder from James 1:19, “... Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.”

• Ask for help. When you don't have the words to pray, consider phoning a friend or asking the Holy Spirit to intercede for you. Romans 8:26 promises that the Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we don’t have the words to pray, the Spirit will intercede for us in a mighty way. 

Lord,  please bring healing and peace to anyone who is sick, anxious, or hurting today.  In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.