Biblical Grieving

Posted on July 17, 2019 by recovery in Victory Call

As most of you know I am quite familiar with the grieving process having buried three sons, two parents, my parents-in-law, several relatives and many dear friends.

I have learned that especially those who have not experienced grief are often the first to tell you how you should grieve. I have had the privilege of reading through the Bible, many versions, many times. The verses that talk about grief seem to jump out at me. For example:

“So Absalom fled and went to Geshur and was there three years. And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon,” (2 Samuel 13:38-39).

When our son Nathan was killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, I realized one year of grieving simply was not enough. I needed more time and I felt guilty because I thought a person was supposed to be limited to one year. But then I read the above verse and realized that it took David THREE years to resolve his grief over Amnon. I don’t believe that most people are ever OVER their grief, but it took David three years to RESOLVE his grief. I take the word RESOLVE to mean that King David was not wrestling or questioning the loss any more.

As I read that verse, I decided if it’s good enough for King David it’s good enough for me.

There are many verses that deal with a Christian’s response to grief. I challenge you to look them up and see what the Bible says about grieving.

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Written by Marilyn Heavilin: Marilyn is a national speaker, author of numerous books including “Roses in December.” She and her husband Glen spent many summers at America’s Keswick as Counselors-in-Residence.

Think About This: “Should pain and suffering, sorrow, and grief, rise up like clouds and overshadow for a time the Sun of Righteousness and hide Him from your view, do not be dismayed, for in the end this cloud of woe will descend in showers of blessing on your head, and the Sun of Righteousness rise upon you to set no more forever.” – Sadhu Sundar Singh

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 18-19, Acts 13:1-25| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. – Isaiah 1:18

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.