Saturday Morning Devotional

Is It Possible to Grieve With Grace and Joy?

Grief is one of those things that eventually we all face. As hard and painful as it can be, I wonder, is it is possible to grieve with grace and joy?

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I had faced grief before, and as much as I hated going through the process, I thought I had it figured out to some extent. When we lost our son a few years ago, I realized I was in uncharted territory! There is no figuring it out, to any extent.

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I can remember going through some really dark times while he was sick, and even thinking about the advice I had given some of my students (as a counselor). I realized then that what I had been telling some of them may have sounded good on paper, but in real life situations, they would need much more.

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I think it is important to realize that no one grieves exactly the same way. There is no magic formula or solution. I have had many students who are going through the grief process, and they are all different. Some are quiet and reserved while others are talkative and over the top happy. Some students come in frequently and others only come in if I call them. I see this in my own life as well. I tend to keep to myself and Jay is more expressive. Everyone handles it differently.

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If you are going through a time of grief, let yourself grieve, and trust the Lord to get you through it. Giving it over to the Lord is the only way I know to have any joy about you. It will be His grace and joy that shines into your life.

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Don’t get me wrong, I still have my spells, even as recently as last week, but I can manage them a little better now. Even when the loss was so fresh, I could actually feel the Lord’s Presence with me. I love this scripture, because I experienced it and know that it is true!

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“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18

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The loving people in your life can also help you navigate through such painful places. I don’t know what we would have done without our family, friends, and Church. I can’t tell you how they pulled together to be there for us. If you are not going through grief but know someone who is, you can be a great blessing to them! If you are the one going through grief, let someone minister to you.

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Outlets

There are many things people find to help them with the painful thoughts and feelings. Most people find that having some sort of outlet helps:

• Ministering to Others
• Baking/Cooking
• Writing
• Music
• Art
• Exercise
• Sports
• Volunteering
• Other Hobbies

Whatever healthy and positive activity you enjoy can help get you into a good place. Just keep it in balance.

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It doesn’t always come naturally to think this way, but I like to try and think of something positive. For example, I truly am so grateful for the almost 30 years we had with our son. That is a blessing! There are many other thoughts as well, but the BEST one is that we have an anticipation of Heaven where we will see him again. Just knowing that this is not the end is encouragement beyond words!

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Some of these quotes are ones that some of our friends shared with us. I hope they bless you like they still bless me.

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Quotes

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Songs

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You know I love songs and their messages! I want to share several today! Each one has a great message. Some are full of encouragement and others simply speak to my heart.

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“Joy in the Morning” by Tauren Wells

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“Just as Good” by Chris Renzema & Ellie Holcomb

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“Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns

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“Desert Road” by Casting Crowns

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“Sweet Hellos” by Jeff & Sheri Easter

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Related Post

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Here is a related post written before Thanksgiving. I hope it helps someone. Have a Thankful Heart.

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Grief Resources

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Here are a few other sites that are wonderful encouragements to help you in times of grief. They reached out to us and ministered to us in different ways.

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Joe & Shaunda Knight – KNIGHTSong Ministries

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Susan Duke – Grieving Forward

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So, back to the original question – is it possible to grieve with grace and joy? It is definitely possible, but only with the Lord. I am so glad that I know Him and that He is walking with me through this journey. If you are walking on this road, call out to Him, and let Him walk with you as you grieve with grace and joy.

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Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!

Susan

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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19