Grief is one of the hardest emotions anyone can face. When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, grief can feel overwhelming at times. It rises and falls with surprising force, sometimes when you least expect it. By meditating on Bible verses about grief, you can find strength in the Lord.

When looking for Bible verses about death of a loved one, you can focus on verses that give you hope and healing. God sees your struggles, fears, and doubts. He can handle your sadness, anger and any other difficult emotions you are facing. When you read and study God’s Word, you can find comfort, peace, and strength to guide you through the grieving process.

What Does the Bible Say About Grief and Loss?

When we look up grief in the Bible, we find many examples of loss. The very first parents, Adam and Eve, dealt with grief over the loss of their son Abel. There are many stories of widows and widowers, sons and daughters who died, and infants who passed away. Grief has been part of the human story since the beginning, yet it has never gotten any easier to handle.

We were created to live forever with God. Death feels unnatural because it was never God’s original plan. In the world marred by sin, death is an inevitable problem we will face. But it is not the end of the story. Believers in God can have great hope even within grief. Let’s look at key verses that can help you navigate your grieving process.
God is Close to You

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

When your heart is broken because you lost someone you loved, God takes notice. He promises to draw close to us when our suffering is greatest. Your spirit may feel crushed by the death of a loved one. Yet God promises not to break a bruised reed. He is holding you within the palm of his hand, ready to offer comfort and healing. Draw close to him in your grief and loss, and you will experience peace in his loving presence.

The Lord is Your Healer

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds. – Psalm 147: 3

God does not enjoy watching you suffer. He wants to heal you from your pain. Like a skilled doctor, God uses the promises of his Word like bandages and medicines. His promises will soothe your hurts. They will protect your wounds from becoming infected, and they will restore your brokenness so you will feel well again. Let the Healer bind up your wounds and heal your broken heart.

God is Watching Over You

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

You are not alone in your dark valley of grief. This is one of the most popular Bible verses for the passing of a loved one because people draw comfort from God’s presence. Grief can feel uncomfortably lonely.

You may not believe that anyone can walk the path you are walking. But God is right by your side. Like a strong yet tender Shepherd, he is protecting you from further harm. You can surrender your fears to him since he is watching over you day and night.

The Lord Shows Compassion

Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. – Lamentations 3:32

Since God is sovereign, meaning that he rules over all things, he knew your grief was coming even before you did. He allows grief because it is the channel toward healing. Since God loves you so much, he shows compassion on your suffering. You can receive comfort knowing that the God who created the universe draws near to you and shows compassion on your grief.

Jesus Understands

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” – Mark 14:34

This is one of the most comforting Bible verses for grief because Jesus understands how we feel. On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus spoke these words to his disciples. Facing death on the cross, he felt the heaviness of grief crushing him.

He knows just how heavy your grief feels. He understands how it crushes your spirit. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus, the Son of God, knows what grief and loss feel like. Also note that Jesus needed people to support him in his grief, just like you need others to minister to you in yours.

Hope for the Future

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4

When you look up verses about death in the Bible, this one is filled with hope. Someday, after Jesus returns to earth and sets everything right, there will be no death. He has already secured the victory for us. It can be helpful to look to this verse for God’s perspective on death while you are grieving.

God Provides Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32

You need strength to go through the grieving process. No human being is strong enough to face grief alone. But God will give you his mighty, supernatural strength to face your trials. He not only gives you strength but secures the path in front of you. He wants you to be an overcomer on the other side of grief, and he will guide you along a healing path.

The Lord is Your Salvation

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. – Isaiah 12:2

The Lord himself is your source of salvation and strength. He is your Defender against Satan, your enemies, and your own sinful tendencies. You can trust in him and give him your fears while you are grieving. Because he will never grow tired, never give up, and never fail you, you can believe that he will save, strengthen and defend you.

God Will Empower You

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:29

The grieving process can wear you out. Walking through the necessary steps of denial, anger, bargaining, and sadness are emotionally draining. You may feel weak during the grief process. Yet God is ready to strengthen you. He will increase your power by granting you his almighty power. You can ask him to give you his strength when you are at your weakest point.

Find Strength in the Lord

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

This powerful verse can get you through the toughest days of loss. No valley is too dark for him to walk with you. You can do everything you need to receive healing in the strength that the Lord provides for you, rather than in your own strength. Trust that he will give you the strength you need to get through the next hour, day, week or month. He is faithful to provide all you need.

Christian Grief Counseling

No one can successfully go through the grieving process alone. Many people need help from a Christian counselor to overcome grief and receive healing.

Meditate on these Bible verses about grief to draw closer to God but be sure to ask for professional assistance if you need it. Please give us a call if you need more help getting over your grief.