Never AloneSample

The Loneliness of Grief

Grief is a powerful experience. It can change a person’s outlook on life in a heartbeat—literally.

I have faced grief. I have lost both friends and family, and let me tell you, it is hard.

The temptation that grief opens us up to is thinking that the world has stopped and wants us to stay lonely and isolated.

But the reality is that the world moves on, and it’s our choice if we will find a way to move on in it.

Job was a man who knew grief and loneliness.

His grief was deep. He lost his income, his kids, and his health. Then, to add to it, the ones around him were not much help. And even his wife, being stuck in her own grief, abandoned him.

But what did Job do?

He held on to the One who he knew was holding on to him.

Did he have questions for God?

Yes.

Did he get frustrated with his “comforters?”

Absolutely.

Did he hang on to his faith?

Without a doubt.

Without knowing how his story would end, Job came to the place where he was at peace in his grief because he knew he didn’t have to be lonely in it, but rather recognized that God still saw him and was far bigger than the pain he was feeling.

If you are in a time of grief, I want to encourage you with a few things.

First, your grief is your grief, and you have good reason to grieve.

Second, it’s your choice if you stay lonely in your grief or find a way to continue to live your life with the One who sees you in your pain.

Third, may I encourage you to reach out to someone who can help you find God’s hope in the midst of your grief?

May you, like Job, find a way to see God in your pain, and know that, even though it seems chaotic, He does still hold the world in His hand.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You see me in my loneliness. Help me not to get stuck in it or in my grief. Help me to find a way to see You in my pain and learn how to move forward in my life. Amen.

Reflection: Loneliness in grief is hard. If this is you, connect with someone who can walk the journey with you. It might be a friend, a neighbor, a pastor, a family member, a support group, or someone else. Find one way to take a step forward toward that person today.