Good Grief

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 NIV

Sadness can be debilitating.

Many of you know this, because you have lost a lot. Some have lost loved ones, friendships, relationships, time, and health. Others have lost hope because there’s so many bad things happening in the world. Today, I am simply here to encourage you to grieve whatever you’ve lost. It’s time.

If you know me, you know God teaches me through process (a series of actions that are done in order to achieve a particular result). And while I’ve learned to value the process, it does not mean I always enjoy it. Grieving is a part of the process I don’t enjoy. I’d prefer to skip it or avoid it. As a naturally joyful person, grief tends to bring me really low. It was not until recently that I’ve learned grief can be good. Grief does not have to isolate and traumatize. Grief done well has the potential to draw you closer to God and people.

So as your friend, I want to help you experience good grief.

PRAY 

First, I want you to pray. I want you to submit your situation to the Father. Tell Him everything. Tell the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. He can handle it. Then ask Him to help you. 

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 5:13-14 NLT

EXPRESS

Second, I want you to get comfortable expressing yourself alone and with others. Some of you are having trouble crying. As your friend, I am telling you its ok to cry and release that pain. I want to encourage you to take it a step further. Share your heart with a trustworthy friend, family member, or counselor. Allow the people in your life to help you. You are not a burden.

Remember, this is just a season and it will pass. What you sow in tears, you WILL reap in joy.

Those who sow with tears, will reap with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:5 NIV

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

James 5:16 NLT

MEDITATE

Lastly, sadness has a way of darkening our thoughts and those negative thoughts can easily turn into depression. This is why it is imperative that we meditate on the Truth of God’s Word (even when we don’t believe it). We need to rehearse it over and over until we believe. 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8 NLT

(*P.E.M., rinse, and repeat.)

Can I pray for you?

Father, thank you for my friend. I’m so glad You know exactly what they need. Would You lift what is burdening them and make the load lighter? Father, please comfort them and draw them close. Remind them that they are not forgotten by You. Please surround them with your people to encourage them through this. Silence any foul thoughts from the enemy and envelope them in Your love. I’m believing You for complete healing, joy, and restored peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 NKJV

Joy is coming…

Big hugs,

Ayanna