Rev and I were born just four days apart. This week, I will celebrate our birthdays without him for the first time in fifty-five years.
Firsts are hard! It’s been eight and a half months and they say the first year is the hardest. I know about the stages of grief. I’ve read books and talked with wonderful caring people. But wow, living with a grieving heart is hard.
Rev shared the following quote with me years ago…
“Grief is such a weird, uncontrollable beast. You never know when or where or how it’s going to pop up and demand its due.” ~ Steve Pfeiffer (A Dream So Big)
It’s true.
You never know when a glimpse, a smell, a sound, or a thought will make your loss feel like it just happened yesterday. So, patience is a beautiful gift for those who are learning how to cope with a whole new way of life.
The most helpful thing the Lord has taught me through these months is to … do your best to live in the moment!
So, if you’re walking through a season of grief, remember…
- Trust God to give you what you need right one moment at a time.
- Be patient with yourself and others.
- Take care of yourself … physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Don’t make any major decisions quickly.
- Talk when you want and be still when you need to.
Let’s pray…
Prayers for the Grieving Heart
He said,“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Oh Father, I am weak. Please meet me in my weakness and give me strength. Forgive me for foolishly trying to handle life on my own. There are moments when my grieving heart withdraws in pain. I’m so sorry. I need You. I need the strength and power of my Lord and Savior, Jesus to work in me and through me. And as You help me through my daily struggle I will gladly share that I can’t but You not only can … You do and You will. Your grace is all I need. Through Your Spirit, fill my heart and mind with Your truth and love. I surrender myself to You. Amen.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
Psalm 91:1–2
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about theLord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust Him.
Lord, You are my hiding place … my safe place through life’s storms. When my heart is overwhelmed, You are my refuge and strength. You, my Shepherd, are everything I need even helping me rest when I’m anxious and restless. I do trust You! Because You faithfully keep Your promises. If You say it; You will do it! You promise that You are close to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34) You promise to help me carry my burdens. (Matthew 11) You promise that Your love protects, gives hope, and never fails. (1 Corinthians 13) I thank and praise You! Please continue to hold my grieving heart. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 – Psalm 68:19“Be sure of this: I amwithyoualways, even to the end of the age.”
Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior!
For each day He carries us in His arms.
Lord Jesus, thank you! What an awesome promise! Even when the enemy wants me to believe I am alone … I’m not. You promise that You are always with me. Whatever is going on in the world or my heart … You are with me. I can have peace in Your care. I will praise You, my Lord and Savior. I will prayerfully focus on the truth that You are with me through each day. I am not alone; You hold me and promise to give me everything I need. So, even as I grieve, I have hope because I have Your eternal promises. I know that when everything is ready, I will join You in my heavenly home. (John 14:3) Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory. Amen.
Jesus told her,“I am the resurrection and the life.Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”
John 11:25–26
Lord, thank you for suffering our punishment. Thank you for making eternal life possible through Your death and resurrection. I believe You. I trust Your Word and count on Your promises. I have hope because You have promised that all who have gone before me in faith are enjoying life with You in glory. I live each day with the confidence that when the time is right … I will join You and them. Thank you for the friend who reminded us, “Isn’t Heaven going to be great?! No more goodbyes!” Yes, it is! What precious words to hold close to my grieving heart. Amen.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:4
And Lord, I also thank you for this glorious promise! Not only will there be no more goodbyes but there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. It’s hard to imagine. In this sinful world, there is so much pain and sorrow. But in Your Heavenly Kingdom, all suffering is gone. In Your presence, there is joy forever. You inspired David to write, “You will show me the way of life, granting me thejoyof Yourpresenceand the pleasures of living with You forever.” (Psalm 16:11) That is my hope today and every day of my life. You show me the way to go while I live here and lead me on the path to my eternal home with You. I praise, worship, and trust You with all I am and have. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Friends, thank you for the patience and love you’ve shown my grieving heart.
You’ve often reminded me, “It’s okay to not be okay.” You’ve reached out, checked on me, and lifted me in prayer. The Lord has shown me His love through you and I am exceedingly grateful.
And for those of you who are reading this because you are struggling with your own grieving heart. Please know that we are here for you praying to the One who promises to give you strength, rest, and hope … all because He loves you so very much!
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