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Healing For Your Grief
'He heals the brokenhearted...' Psalm 147:3 NIV
One of the most moving scenes in Scripture is Jesus weeping at the graveside of Lazarus. It's not that He was powerless to change the situation, which He did, but that He empathises with us in our time of loss.
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.' The Lord didn't promise to protect us from pain and loss, but to bring us through it. Perhaps these suggestions will help:
(1) Don't isolate Expand your 'family.' '...Better a neighbour than a brother far away.' (Proverbs 27:10 NIV) If you don't have family nearby, reach out to caring people who are close by. As part of a group you discover that you're not alone, that mourning isn't sickness or selfindulgence, and that sharing brings healing.
(2) Don't deny your loss 'The memory of the just is blessed...' (Proverbs 10:7 KJV) When you're around friends, don't hesitate to talk about your loss. When you do, you're saying it's ok for them to share their memories too. A burden shared is a burden lightened.
(3) Don't try to do it all 'There is a time to cry...' (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NCV) Because grief is draining, you'll need more rest than usual. So while your ability to function is reduced, let others help with the everyday stuff like cooking, cleaning and shopping until you feel stronger.
(4) Don't neglect your legitimate needs Respect your body by using the acronym D.E.E.R. (drink, eat, exercise, rest) to help you stay focused and set healthy boundaries. Nobody knows how you feel better than you, so give yourself permission to say, 'No thanks' or 'Some other time' without feeling guilty.
written by Bob Gass
'He heals the brokenhearted...' Psalm 147:3 NIV
One of the most moving scenes in Scripture is Jesus weeping at the graveside of Lazarus. It's not that He was powerless to change the situation, which He did, but that He empathises with us in our time of loss.
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.' The Lord didn't promise to protect us from pain and loss, but to bring us through it. Perhaps these suggestions will help:
(1) Don't isolate Expand your 'family.' '...Better a neighbour than a brother far away.' (Proverbs 27:10 NIV) If you don't have family nearby, reach out to caring people who are close by. As part of a group you discover that you're not alone, that mourning isn't sickness or selfindulgence, and that sharing brings healing.
(2) Don't deny your loss 'The memory of the just is blessed...' (Proverbs 10:7 KJV) When you're around friends, don't hesitate to talk about your loss. When you do, you're saying it's ok for them to share their memories too. A burden shared is a burden lightened.
(3) Don't try to do it all 'There is a time to cry...' (Ecclesiastes 3:4 NCV) Because grief is draining, you'll need more rest than usual. So while your ability to function is reduced, let others help with the everyday stuff like cooking, cleaning and shopping until you feel stronger.
(4) Don't neglect your legitimate needs Respect your body by using the acronym D.E.E.R. (drink, eat, exercise, rest) to help you stay focused and set healthy boundaries. Nobody knows how you feel better than you, so give yourself permission to say, 'No thanks' or 'Some other time' without feeling guilty.
written by Bob Gass
