Recovering from Loss

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us…” - 2 Corinthians 7:6

We are usually not given a choice when we experience a loss. Someone or something else took away what we cherish so dearly. When we experience a loss in our life, we may go through several distinct periods of grief. Originally, we may think we are finally over it, until some event triggers the tears and sorrow all over again. This grief is typical and essential for our total healing. Closure from our crisis is unique and distinctive to each one of us. But also, many of the feelings and experiences are common to everyone who suffers a loss. These emotional milestones provide wisdom and consolation to us, which we can share with others during their times of grief.

Whenever the dull ache of loss arises within us throughout our lifetime, the Lord gives us comfort and support through His Word. When we grow weary of the pain and tears, we can put the timing of our healing into God’s hands. However, there are some keys available to unlocking the grief in our heart and to releasing it little by little. Recognizing our grief allows us to process it better. We do this by disclosing to someone else what we lost and talking about it rather than keeping it bottled up inside of us. A grief support group is a great place to find people who understand your loss. Divulge these needs to the Lord also. He truly understands the needs of your heart (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Peter 5:7).

Some people may not understand why it is taking you so long to finish grieving your loss (Hebrews 4:16). You may be stuck on one aspect of healing. You may need to ask for or to give forgiveness. Do you recognize bitterness or resentment growing in your soul? These negative emotions will poison your whole spirit, soul and body if you do not identify them and forgive the people who caused them. What are your spiritual, emotional, mental, psychological and physical needs right now? Make a list and then organize it into categories.

Once you list and verbalize your needs, allow others to help you to meet them in a tangible way. Tell your story to someone else. Be honest with yourself and find a sympathetic friend, family member, Christian counselor or a Grief recovery group where you sense support and care. People may act preachy or impatient with you at times. You may think it’s easier to bottle up your grief, over-schedule your activities and pretend to have no grief at all. It is good for you to share your troubles, however. Healing occurs much quicker when it is shared (Philippians 4:14). God will reward your willingness to actively move toward healing.

We can turn grief on its head! We can make a commitment to our self to heal rather than to turn inward with our grief. As you thank God for providing for the needs He already met in you and for you, He will guard your heart and mind and bring healing to your soul (Philippians 4:6-7). As we lighten the load that others carry, it lightens our load as well. We receive encouragement as we give encouragement. Comfort others with the comfort you received (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Spend time alone with God. Pour out your heart, journal your feelings, list your prayer requests and put the date next to them as God answers them. Trust God to direct your steps into the future. God provides for widows and widowers abundantly as we trust in Him (2 Kings 4:1-6).  

Prayer:

Father God, You have our success already incorporated into Your plans for our life. My loss is no surprise to You, and it is part of Your change of direction for my life. You know us better than we know our self. You know exactly what we need. Open my eyes, ears and heart to hear Your Spirit’s direction. Anoint my mouth to speak Your oracles to others who are also grieving. I choose to hope in Your abundant future for me even though I have no idea what the future holds (Jeremiah 29:11). I also choose not to listen to satanic lies to the contrary. Please, shine Your light into the darkness of my days and dispel the grief as only You can. As I embrace my grief rather than resist it, I will experience Your true healing from it. I put myself into Your care, because I know that You abundantly care for me (1 Peter5:7).

Thought for the Day:

We can move forward in life through any adversity, because of God’s abundant life within us.