Turning To Your Faith In Times Of Loss

Our daughter’s first husband died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There will always be a question as to whether it was intentional suicide or if it was an accident. Whatever the situation, he died.

Later, our daughter then died suddenly at age 45. Their first child, my grandson, later had tatooed on one wrist the name of his father and on the other side the name of his mother. This speaks of the great pain that those left behind experience.

Here are a few suggestions I pass along on turning to your faith in times of your grief and personal tragedy:

1. Notify someone who is a leader of your faith. Such people are usually trained in helping one cope with loss. Perhaps they can assist in planning the memorial service.
2. Following the death, you will find most faith groups will offer support in these situations. These people will offer assistance such as answering the phone, bringing in food for family and friends, hosting a meal after the memorial service and will be happy to sit with you as you grieve so you are not alone.
3. Attend services of your faith. If you have not been attending services, now might be a good time to re-engage. The support your faith offers through their services can be of great encouragement.
4. Consider joining a local grief support group. There are often many such groups in your immediate area.
5. Ask people of your faith to remember you in prayer and to pray with and for you.
6. Consider seeking out and attending a spiritual retreat. This can be a time of healing as you work through your grief.
7. Pray. Set aside a personal quiet time for prayer and reading God’s Word. You may also find that reading and pondering devotionals is very helpful in dealing with your loss.

In closing, Psalms 34:19 (KJV) states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.