When Grief is Raw…

The loss of someone special shakes us.

Our hearts are broken, perhaps even shattered. We can feel undone and lost.

Grief can be raw at times.

When grief is raw, it’s hard to function – and impossible to function like we used to. We’re not living. We’re surviving. Perhaps we’re just existing.

When grief is raw the emotional pain can be overwhelming. We can barely lift our heads.

When grief is raw, we have trouble thinking straight – or even thinking at all.

When grief is raw, nothing makes sense.

When grief is raw, it’s as if we are now a mass of internal bruises. We want to withdraw and hide.

When grief is raw, we forget to eat, drink, and even breathe.

Perhaps we can relate to King David in Psalm 38:

I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.

My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.

I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.

My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.

When grief is raw, our hearts need to vent. Our souls need to express themselves.

David ends his Psalm by looking up:

Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.

Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

(Psalm 38:21-22)

When grief is raw, we need help. We need comfort and perspective. We need hope. We need love.

When your grief is raw, be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Accept yourself in the moment, as best you can.

When your grief is raw, find ways to express what’s happening inside you – prayer, talking, writing, etc. Grief will be expressed, one way or another.

When your grief is raw, look up. You might not feel hopeful. God might feel a million miles away. But feelings are not always reality (thank goodness). He is closer than you know.

I am praying for you now…

Don’t forget to breathe.

Question: Can you relate to King David in Psalm 38? How so? Feel free to comment and share.

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