Loss is a part of life—the hardest part—and it starts early. Grief  has many faces and strikes every age.  It is impossible to make sense  of many terrible losses. Whether it’s death, a disabling injury, the  loss of property, pets, health, friends, or a job—loss can make you feel  like there’s a bull’s-eye on your back with no place to hide.   One  author wrote: “God marks across some of our days, ‘Will explain later.’”[1]

How do you face loss? To  the person who believes that God will never let bad things happen to  people who live right, feelings of betrayal and bitterness can fester  and finally destroy faith and trust in God’s power.  In this world we  are not always shielded from suffering—it is a part of our human  experience.

Sometimes  we are grieved with the thought that we have brought suffering on  ourselves or into the lives of others through unwise choices.  But God  promises His cleansing forgiveness, the comfort of His presence, and  continual strength and guidance. “He restores my soul…Even though I walk  through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You  are with me—Your rod and staff comfort me.”[2] God will not abandon you in your hour of need.

Emerging from the valley. Healing  from grief is not quick and easy, but it is possible. Trust that you  can and will heal. Believe that the day will come when you will be able  to remember your loss without overwhelming pain. It takes time, because  grief over loss usually involves a progression of emotions that ebb and  flow.  The  course of grief is traced by numbness and shock, feelings of utter  despair, anger, loss, and helplessness.  Every griever walks through  that valley.  But beyond that there is hope, purpose, and a plan for  your life.

Staying strong through suffering. Physical  as well as spiritual nurture is vital during times of stress. Accept  help from others, or ask for it if you need it, whether it is help  cleaning, shopping, caring for the needs of the family, or your own need  for company.

Take  time to get into the fresh air and exercise each day. Stock up on fresh  fruits and vegetables, healthful whole grains, and nuts.  Avoid  caffeine, alcohol, soda pop and tobacco; instead, stay hydrated and calm  with water and soothing herb teas.

Practice CPR! Grief counselor Larry Yeagley in his book, Grief Recovery, outlines a plan for readjustment after loss that he calls “CPR.”  It is:

Communication. The  environment of our society can make it difficult to talk about sad  feelings.  Someone in grief may need to talk but feel as if they are  imposing on others by discussing their loss.  It is important to  actively seek out people who care enough to listen—and that may mean  connecting with people in helping professions such as a pastor,  counselor, physician, or with a support group.

Participation. Participating  in the regular activities of life is an important step toward healing.   Gradually expanding your activities and social circle does not mean you  have forgotten your old life—it is a way of moving forward with a new  life, a new “normal” that still has meaning.

Relationship.  Major  crises like death, divorce, or illness can impair a person’s ability to  form or sustain relationships.  Spending some time alone is healing,  but prolonged isolation can hinder recovery.  Actively reaching out to  others to give and receive support is an important factor in recovery.   It helps those who grieve establish meaning and purpose for their lives  in a new context.

Strength to Endure.  John  Claypool lost his 10-year-old daughter in a 2-year battle with a  terminal illness. In the promise of Isaiah 40:30-31, he found that  strength came to him in a most unexpected form. “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up  with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk  and not faint.”  He summarized his experience:

1. You “shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Here is exuberance and  freedom. This type of strength does not fit the long nights of anxious  care when tending to a sick child.

2. You “shall run and not be weary.” Here is strength for action to solve problems and perform tasks. But in some situations, there is nothing you can do.

3.  You  “shall walk and not faint.”  “This may sound insignificant.  Who wants  to be slowed to a walk, creeping along inch by inch, just barely able to  endure?  But this is the only form of the promise that fits this  situation.  In the dark stretches of life, when you cannot soar and  there is no place to run, to know of a Help that will provide the  strength that enables you ’to walk and not faint’ is good news indeed.”[3]

There is an end to sorrow. There are seasons of life that may feel like one, long winter. But the promise of summer is coming, when “God shall wipe away  all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither  sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former  things are passed away." Rev. 21:4.

Lessons on Loss. In  this life the experience of grief can deepen our ability to participate  in life. It can make us more grateful for what we have, more sensitive  and trusting.  It is often through the valley of suffering that the  ministry of consolation to others is born in our hearts.  Christ Himself is afflicted in all our sorrows, and He promises to guide us through the dark valleys in life.[4]   His love opens a channel into the wounded heart that becomes a healing  medicine to those who sorrow—a medicine that those who have grieved can  share with others.

[1] Morgan R.  The Red Sea Rules, p. 90.

[2] Psalm 23:3-4.

[3] Claypool J.  Tracks of a Fellow Struggler, 36-38, paraphrased.

[4] Isaiah 63.9.

Visit us at LifestyleMatters.com or call 1-866-624-5433 for your resources to build a better brain, body, and lifestyle. Copyright © 2020 Lifestyle Matters. All rights reserved.  Used by Permission.