Moving Through the Dark Valley: Bible Verses About Grief

Grief can feel like a valley with imposing mountains on both sides, closing in around you. God knew when He created human beings and gave us the command to love one another that we would grieve when we lost loved ones. Even Jesus wept when His good friend Lazarus died.

The good news is that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and later, Jesus, Himself, rose from the dead, defeating death. If you are a Christian, you know that you will see your believing friends and family again because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, but it still does not negate the grief.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4, NIV

Grief and loss are real and can lead to complicated grief. God understands how we feel, and He provided scripture throughout the Bible to explain grief and how we can help others through the dark valley.

The stages of grief

There are five stages of grief that most people cycle through in the healing process. Some stages may last a little longer, but finding acceptance is critical.

The stages of grief are:

• Denial.
• Anger.
• Bargaining.
• Depression.
• Acceptance.

The depression stage is possibly the longest of the five; however, each individual processes grief and loss differently.

Coping with grief

Since grief affects everyone differently, we cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach to managing grief. Self-care is essential while grieving as it is one of the first things we tend to let go of, especially in the depression stage.

The following are a few ideas to help focus on caring for yourself:

Memorize Bible verses about grief

Also, memorize Bible verses about God’s faithfulness. Keep these tucked away where you can see them when you need an extra boost.

Feel

Allow yourself to feel all the emotions. Trying to cover them up and compartmentalize them will only delay healing. Eventually, the grief will manifest in other ways, such as physical illness, anxiety, or panic attacks.

Rest

You cannot process emotions and thoughts without enough rest. If you are having trouble sleeping, speak to your physician about a melatonin supplement or ask a therapist for tips.

Journal your thoughts

Getting the pain out of your heart and onto the page can release some of that pent-up emotion. You can use a digital journal, but many people find the act of using paper and pen cathartic.

Routine

When your mind is distracted by loss, you may forget to do everyday tasks such as laundry and dishes. However, maintaining a routine can help you feel a sense of normal in an otherwise chaotic reality. Try writing down your routine to follow.

Exercise

To lift your mood and get your heart pumping, engage in cardio exercise. A simple walk around the block can help the brain release serotonin, improving your mood.

Wise decision-making

Now is not the time to make any rash decisions. Decision-making is difficult while grieving, so do not make decisions that will affect your finances, job, or home. If someone is asking you to make life-altering decisions during this time, find another person you trust to speak with about the pros and cons of the decision.

Above all, be patient with yourself during this season.

Bible verses about grief

Grief and suffering are realities of this broken and fallen world. As Christians, we know that one day there will be no more tears, pain, or death. Until then, we must learn how to process the emotion of grief and begin to live again with joy in our hearts.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance – Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV

Grieving facilitates healing, and it is necessary. King David wept when his son was killed, even though he had set himself up as an enemy of the king.

The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son, Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! If only I had died instead of you – O Absalom, my son, my son! – 2 Samuel 18:33, NIV

David was grieving outwardly as well as inwardly. It is important to note that David cried out from deep inside. Sometimes crying out, shouting to the Lord, and allowing ourselves to feel the pain, can begin the healing process. This is why family members often become involved in the funeral preparations for a loved one. It is part of the healing process as it provides some closure.

Although David loved his son, he had to close the season of grieving because others needed him. The prophet Samuel had to speak with the king about moving past the loss of his son and resuming his responsibilities to the people still living. God can help you move through the season while still honoring the person’s memory.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4, NIV

God can take everything bad that happens to us and turn it for good. In the middle of grief, that may be impossible to see but give it time. A loss can bring us closer to God as we look to Him for comfort.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. – Psalm 30:11-12, NIV

Sometimes the first step to healing is praise and worship. You may not feel like it at first, but worship connects you to the Creator by focusing your mind and spirit on Him.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV

God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You can rest in Him when your heart is hurting and grieving a loss; then, you can use your experience to help someone else.

[He] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:4, NIV

Complicated grief is a form of grief that can either keep a person stuck in one stage of the grieving process or cause the person to cycle back through the grief stages again and again. Complicated grief can lead to depression.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22, NIV

It might be best if you simply sit with a friend while you are grieving. Grief and depression can make you feel isolated and unsupported. Staying near a friend while you mourn will provide the proper support. When you are ready to talk, be prepared to share.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. – Psalm 119:28, NIV

Reading scripture and highlighting Bible verses about grief will feed your soul during this time, strengthening you. Let the word of God fill you with hope and light your way through the darkest valley.

Help beyond Bible verses about grief

Grief is an emotion, but you were not meant to stay in the feeling. There is hope. Even with an armory of Bible verses about grief, you may need professional help to move through the stages. Reach out today to our offices for an appointment with a therapist specializing in grief.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV