“Through a Season of Grief” is a Christian, Scripture-based daily devotional that specifically address the process of grief.
I’ve subscribed to receive these devotionals via email each day, but it’s also available in book format. An organization called GriefShare sends them, which also facilitates grief support meetings.
They’ve been hit or miss for me content-wise, but the impact really lies in the daily reminder that I’m not alone in waking up each day to immense pain and grief. There are others on this journey with me, even though I don’t know who they are.
According to GriefShare’s website, there are also thousands of GriefShare grief recovery support groups meeting throughout the US, Canada, and in over 10 other countries. The meetings are led by people who have suffered the death of a close family member, partner, or friend. If you’re interested in finding a group, visit: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup
Here are a couple examples of the devotionals:
Grief Lasts Longer Than Expected
Day 4
Grief’s unexpected turns will throw you again and again. You may feel that for every step forward, you take at least one step back. The grieving process generally takes longer than you ever imagined.
Please don’t rush this process. Remember, what you are feeling is not only normal; it is necessary.
“It’s been seven years, and I’m still going through it,” says Dr. Larry Crabb, whose brother died in a plane crash. “I don’t know if it’s a very holy thing to admit, but when someone says, ‘Well, it’s been a week, a month, a year—Larry, for you it’s been seven years. Get a grip. Where’s your faith in Christ, for goodness’ sake?‘ I get really angry.
“Knowing the Lord and His comfort does not take away the ache; instead, it supports you in the middle of the ache. Until I get home to heaven, there’s going to be an ache that won’t quit. The grieving process for me is not so much a matter of getting rid of the pain, but not being controlled by the pain.”
We read in the Psalms that David grew weary with the process of grief and cried out to the Lord. Then he left the timing in God’s hands.
“Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 6:2-4).
“I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief” (Psalm 6:6-7 NASB).
Heavenly God, I cannot even begin to put my grief in a time frame. Thank you that I don’t have to. Comfort me and support me as I lean on You. Amen.
Grief Is Harder Than You Think
Day 8
The hardest time to learn about the process of grief is while you are in the midst of it. You may feel that you are taking a crash course in grief and that the learning curve is formidable. But those who seek to understand grief and loss will be better able to recover, so we commend you for your determination and effort to see this process through.
Dr. H. Norman Wright says, “Many of the right things to do in life are the most difficult things to do.”
Dear friend, even though you may be in the depths of despair and feel that God is faraway, now is the time to cling to whatever knowledge of Him you have. Today is the day to open your mind and heart for deeper understanding.
“If you hang on with whatever it is you know in your heart to be true about Him, then He will come through,” says Janet Paschal. “That’s a promise.”
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:1-3).
Lord God, this is so hard. Please keep me from falling. Amen.
Less Than 1%: Surviving My Stillborn 