Gladness for Mourning: Hope in the Midst of LossSample

DAY 5: Hope in Grieving

What have you lost this season? A person, a job, a way of life?

Jesus lost His very close friend, Lazarus. Even before word came of Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus knew what was going to happen. And He knew what He was going to do. But after arriving in the city of Bethany, He was filled with compassion for the loss Lazarus’ sisters and friends were feeling.

And even knowing that He was about to do the miraculous, He allowed Himself to step into the grief they felt. He took the time to experience the loss. Perhaps He even took some time to consider the suffering Lazarus had to endure up to his death and felt great pain for His dear friend.

There is so much hope and comfort in the Bible’s shortest verse: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).

There’s no time that marks how long Jesus stood there, how hard He cried, how many tears He shed, or how loud He let out His heartache. And there’s no set time on your grief or the way you need to express it.

Wherever you are right now, if you’re mourning a loss, take a moment to say it out loud or name the person. “I have lost ___.” And cry out like Jesus did. Grieve and mourn what’s in your heart and don’t feel bad about it.

The one big difference for you, believer, is the power of your testimony in grief. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 tells us we don’t have to “grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (NIV). Even in your loss and broken heart, you’ve got a hope that goes beyond your current situation. 

Acknowledge where you’re at but also recognize you’ve been called to live into a divine purpose, and your hope in pain is one of the most powerful things you can share. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 helps us get up each time our losses want to push us down: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (NIV). We can keep getting up because of the victory we can have in the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

As you go about your week, hold on to Isaiah 61:3 and remember the promises God has for you in this season and into eternity: a crown of beauty will rise from the ashes in your life; mourning will be replaced by gladness; and you will put on a garment of praise instead of despair. 

Points to ponder:

• Say the name of something or someone you have lost. Write down a Scripture promise that can remind you of the hope you have in Jesus for that person or situation.
• Is there someone in your life who needs the hope of Jesus in the midst of loss? Start sharing your story!

We hope this plan encouraged you! Dive deeper into God’s Word by discovering seven Scripture passages to get you through hard times.