When Grief Feels Heavy
Sometimes unexpected waves of grief come crashing down on you and you feel the weight of your grief. An invisible heaviness that seems to linger for a few hours, days, or even more.
While the undercurrent of grief doesn't ever go away, these are a few steps that I take to comfort my aching heart or lift my spirits when grief feels extra heavy.
1. Remember the promises in God's word. Find scriptures that comfort your heart and have them close by, making a list or highlighting them in your bible. Often just reminding ourselves of God's promises helps take our eyes off our suffering and put them back on God and His truth.
"The Lord is near the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
2. Pray. Just talk to God because He is your loving Father. Tell him how you are struggling and ask Him to draw near to you. You can take all of your hurt to God and lay it on His shoulders. They are broad enough to handle it.
"Cast your cares on him; for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy." Psalm 130:1-2
3. Get outside. As simple as it sounds, this can really help. Feel the sunshine on your skin, get some fresh air, listen to the world around you, or go for a walk. I always feel the presence of God when I am surrounded by His beautiful creation.
"O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!" Jeremiah 32:17
"I lift my eye to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
4. Let it out. Talk to or pray with trusted loved one or friend, journal, or maybe even have a good hard cry. It's ok. Give yourself permission to feel and process these emotions.
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of righteous man availeth much." James 5:16
5. Check in. Are you getting enough sleep, moving and fueling your body well? Are you stressed or super busy? Sometimes an outside factor will contribute to the intensity of the grief I feel. Not always is this the case, but sometimes grief may feel extra heavy if I am not taking care of my physical self.
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." 3 John 1:2
6. Give yourself grace. His grace is all we need. Grief journeys aren't linear. There is an ebb and flow -a constant push and pull. Losing someone you love heavy and you aren't meant to carry it alone.
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly for my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
These tips may be obvious or simple. However, sometimes the simplest things are the biggest help.
Much love,
Melissa