How to grieve with hope

Scripture never tells you to stop grieving. It tells you that you do not grieve without hope. First Thessalonians 4:13 says we do not grieve as others do who have no hope. Notice what it does not say. It does not say do not grieve. It says grieve differently, because the end of the story is settled.

Jesus wept at a grave

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35. Jesus wept. He was standing at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, and He knew He was about to raise him, and He still wept. Your tears are not a lack of faith. They are love with nowhere to go. Blessed are those who mourn, Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, for they shall be comforted.

Lament is a biblical language

A third of the Psalms are laments. David wrote Psalm 13 asking how long, O Lord. Job sat in ashes and said the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. God put these prayers in the Bible on purpose, so you would have words when your own words run out. You are allowed to bring God your anger, your confusion, and your silence.

Comfort is meant to be passed on

Second Corinthians 1 says God comforts us in all our affliction so that we can comfort others with the comfort we received. Your grief is not the end of your usefulness. One day it becomes the way you sit with somebody else. In Community you can ask others to pray with you, only when you choose, and only what you choose to share.

The end of the rope

Revelation 21:4 says He will wipe away every tear, and death shall be no more. That is where the lifeline ends. Not in a grave. In His hands. Until then, hold the part of the rope that is in front of you, one honest sentence at a time. Start Where You Are.