By Dr. Jack Graham
If you’ve ever lost a loved one, you know the aching emptiness of grief. Often the pain is beyond measure – an overwhelming and profound sadness that words can barely begin to describe.
If you’ve walked this dark valley, then I’m sure you can relate to these words from someone who found herself sinking under the pain of bereavement.
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21 ESV)
I’m sure these words are familiar to you. They were spoken to Jesus by His close friend Martha following the death of her dear brother, Lazarus. And they reveal to us the painful questions of a grieving heart…
“I thought you loved me, Jesus.”
“Why didn’t you do something, Lord?”
“Were you not able to answer my cry for help?”
Perhaps you recognize the cry of your own heart in Martha’s heartfelt plea. If so, then you need to cling to the promises of God that will pour healing balm on your wounds of grief.
Here are two truths to help heal your hurting heart:
First, God understands your pain even when you feel like no one could ever know what you’re going through. As Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was…a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
Second, God will hold you firm even when you feel like you’re sinking in the storms of grief. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Friend, remember that God longs to lift you up – no matter how deep the abyss of pain seems to be. So cling to His Word. In your lowest moments and your darkest places, look to Him, the only One who has the power to help you get through and break free from grief!
Dr. Jack Graham serves as Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the largest and most dynamic churches in the country.
This article first appeared on, https://resources.jackgraham.org/resource-library/articles/how-can-you-break-free-from-the-grip-of-grief.