Dealing With Grief and Loss

 GRIEF AND LOSS

In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what became known as the “five stages of grief.” This is a list of feelings those who have faced death and tragedy seem to face. 

Based on her years of working with terminal cancer patients, Kübler-Ross proposed the following pattern of phases many people experience:

Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”

Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”

Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”

Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”

Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what has happened.”

Even though we may know about these stages and even be able to identify where we are today, it still remains difficult for us to deal with the grief and loss we are experiencing.  A seemingly insignificant loss may unexpectedly trigger overwhelming emotions from other occasions of loss. 

Thank God He is with us through every stage of life and He understands our grief.  He has experienced it all Himself.

He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well.

Isaiah 53:3

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Psalm 10:14

Thank You God that not only have You experienced grief and sorrow but You pay attention to what we are going through because You love us and want to tenderly comfort us through our difficult times. 

Our emotions may go up and down, but Your love and care is forever constant.  Thank You that each day we have an opportunity to bring our sorrows to You and as we do we find Your comfort and care very precious and very strengthening. 

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 

Psalm 119:28

And so Heavenly Father, we’re grateful today that You  totally understand what we are going through.  Every time our hearts are heavy with grief and loss help us to turn to You for Your comfort and support.  Amen

We can be surprised by grief in the middle of pain or surprised by joy in the middle of grief.  Wherever you find yourself today, God is with You.  God cares.  God understands.  Take comfort in that.