As a Christ follower, you undoubtedly have reminded yourself of Jeremiah 29:11 at least once in your life when things seem to be going wrong. God has a plan for you. It’s a good plan. It’s a prosperous plan that is meant for your good.
You also know that our God is a God of comfort. You know to go to him when you are broken, weary, and overwhelmed.
So, what happens when you find yourself experiencing such a loss that comfort and peace don’t seem to be a possibility?
First, know that God is still there. He is still for you, and even though it’s difficult to understand this part of His plan, you can still turn to him even when you’re grieving.
Bring Your Grief to the Cross
You don’t need to hide your grief away from Jesus. He wants you to bring it to the foot of the cross. Far too often, Christians make the mistake of thinking they have to look or even feel a certain way. But, cleaning yourself up or getting your act together before stepping in front of Jesus is not a requirement.
He wants you to come as you are, because his burden is light.
He will welcome you and help you no matter the state of grief you’re in. You just have to be the one to let Him without thinking you can do it all on your own.
Trust in God’s Promises
Speaking of working through grief alone, it’s certainly possible to find temporary comfort. People cope with loss in a variety of ways. You might throw yourself into work or personal projects to distract yourself from your pain. Maybe you’ll seek comfort in your favorite foods or by binge-watching a show.
You might even try to push your feelings so far down that you go “numb,” but that is nothing but a temporary solution that will make you feel worse over time.
It’s essential to trust in God’s promise when you’re going through your darkest times. Not only will He comfort you, but you will be reminded that the power you have in Christ is far greater than the deep loss and heavy emotions you’re feeling now. You can rest in that to cope and to get you through, rather than relying on earthly things as a source of temporary comfort.
Pray and Ask for Prayer
One of the best things you can do as you work through the grieving process is to pray for God to give you strength and to comfort you. Your prayers don’t have to be perfect or polished. If you find that you’re at a loss for words, pray over His words. Find verses that bring you comfort and ones that speak of God’s promises, and pray them out loud.
You also don’t have to go through this process alone. Lean on friends and family, including your church body. God calls the church to support one another as we each have our parts to play. Ask other Christ followers to pray for you. There is incredible power in prayer, and sometimes, simply knowing there are others lifting you up can make a big difference.
Seek Support from a Mental Health Professional
There is also no shame in reaching out for help. Attending Christian therapy can help you better process your emotions and work through them without leaning into a worldview. Therapy doesn’t make you weak or a “bad” Christian, especially when you’re using it to bring yourself closer to the promises of God.
If you’ve recently experienced a loss, you might not feel the warmth and love of Christ right now. That can be troubling, to say the least. But, it doesn’t mean He is not there, waiting for you to lay your burdens in front of him.
A faith based therapist is happy to help you get to that place, and to recognize that God is still for you, even in these dark times. Let’s work together to help you find the peace, joy, and comfort promised to you in Christ.
Begin Grief and Loss Counseling in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Online in Arizona.
If you would like to learn how grief counseling can help you during the holiday season please reach out. Our team of therapists would be honored to support you in coping with triggers. We are happy to offer services from our Phoenix, AZ-based practice and across the state. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling
- Meet with a grief therapist
- Start finding the happiness you deserve
Grief and Loss Therapy with Crossroads Counseling
Our offices are located throughout the valley with counseling centers located in Phoenix, Anthem, Scottsdale. and online/virtually in Arizona. Call us at 623-680-3486,text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com. We offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and better understand how we can help you.
