In 2019, WebMD found that almost 72% of survey respondents reported experiencing grief within the last three years. But even though the pain of losing a loved one is a natural part of life, you can never be truly prepared for the death of a loved one.
When the loss is new, it’s not unusual for people to experience a crisis of faith. They wonder how a loving God could let something so terrible happen. They ask themselves why good people have to suffer while others prosper.
We’re not going to spout cliches. We’re here to tell you that not only is it possible to find faith after loss, but you can come out of grief with an even stronger faith. Keep reading to find out more.
1. Don’t Put a Timeline on Grief
According to psychology, there are five commonly accepted stages of grief:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Whether it’s been a few months or a few years, it can be tempting to rush through every stage to try and get back to normal. But when someone has been a major part of your life, it’s not easy to adjust to the reality of them being gone.
It hurts to lose a loved one. And it’s okay to acknowledge that.
Remember, emotions aren’t your enemy. By allowing yourself to grieve at your own pace, you’ll come to a place of genuine acceptance.
2. Reflect on Your Faith Journey
When Peter went to Jesus during the storm, he was able to walk on water as long as he stayed focused on Him. But when he got distracted by the wind and rain around him, he began to sink.
Was it because Jesus suddenly became less powerful? No. It was because Peter lost his sense of perspective within the moment.
In the midst of a spiritual storm, it’s easy to get swept up in feelings of anger at the injustice of it all. And during these moments of emotional turmoil, it can be even easier to forget about the times that God has blessed you and your family.
During an opportune moment, it’s a good idea to sit down and reflect on what God has done for you in the past.
Maybe God provided for you and your loved ones when you were struggling to get by financially. Perhaps you found amazing friends and incredible job opportunities after a major relocation. Maybe you welcomed a child to the family after years of prayer.
What you’ll realize as you reflect is that God is always there for you. He’s always been there. And He’ll still be there in the future.
Sometimes finding your faith involves sitting down and reminding yourself of what God has done.
3. Spend Time With God
When you’ve lost a loved one, it can be tempting to beat an emotional retreat. Many people struggle with depression for months or years after losing someone they care about. And when getting out of bed feels like a chore, the thought of an extended prayer session can make you feel like you’re climbing Mt. Everest.
Spending time with God can give you the emotional strength and resilience you need to get through the day.
Of course, you can’t always expect instant results. We talked in a different context about how praying once doesn’t create freedom. You become free through the ongoing process of praying and making choices.
Interestingly enough, the same logic applies to rediscovering your faith after experiencing loss. Spend time talking to God. Put on worship music as you go about your day.
As you dig into the Word while going to God in prayer, you’ll find more comfort and solace in Him.
4. Rely on Your Church Family
In Exodus 17, Joshua and the Israelites were battling the Amalekites. As long as Moses was able to hold his hands up, the Israelites would gain the upper hand. But whenever he would bring his arms down, the Amalekites would start gaining ground.
Holding up your arms for an entire day is a tall order to ask of anyone. But instead of leaving Moses to carry the burden alone, the people around him stepped up.
First, they gave him a stone to sit on. And then Aaron and Hur held his arms up until sunset. In the end, Israel won the battle.
God calls us to be members of the Body of Christ in part because He knows that there will be times when we struggle in life. When the burdens of grief and everyday living are too much, you can turn to the community around you for help. Your church family can hold your arms when you’re too tired to raise them yourself.
5. Accept That Grief Will Change You
How many times have we seen stories in the news about veterans coming back from Vietnam or Iraq with a completely new perspective? Many of them undergo permanent emotional and physical changes while serving our country.
When you’re dealing with grief, you might not emerge from the experience as the same person you were before. You might come away with a deeper understanding of how fragile life is. You may be more resilient in general after dealing with a deep personal loss.
Accept these changes and embrace them. The “new” you might surprise you.
Are You Struggling to Find Faith While Grieving?
Even though death is a part of life, it’s never easy when you’re the person who’s been left behind. You may be blaming God for the emotional devastation. You might feel like you’re losing your faith altogether.
If you’re searching for answers and you’re attempting to find your faith after experiencing grief, you’re not alone. We can help you find the community and the spiritual solutions you’re looking for. Reach out to us at any time.
