Article By JC Culligan // EEW Magazine Online // Grief & Loss

The holidays don’t feel joyful for everyone, especially for those mourning the loss of loved ones. But God’s word brings peace, hope and comfort to the broken.

This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, if you or someone you know is grieving the death of a family member or friend, EEW Magazine Online is offering 7 super effective Bible verses to bring peace, comfort, and joy to your holiday season.

#1 Psalm 18:2 (NIV)- “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Winning the battle against shattered emotions isn't easy. There is no way around the huge, towering mountain of grief. Since you don't have the strength to do it on your own, cling to the Lord. Rely on His strength to sustain you through this difficult time.

#2 Psalm 147:3 (NIV)- “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Death breaks our hearts and pierces our souls to the core. Wounds can be so deep that they seem impossible to heal. But God, who has power to heal all wounds, promises to do so if you give your hurt to Him. Surrender your pain to the Lord; He will soothe you in your time of distress.

#3 Psalm 34:22 (NLT)- “But the LORD will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.”

When children of God die, they depart this earth and ascend into the Heavenly realm to be in the company of Christ. We, too, will be there someday. Though it's painful to say goodbye and not see your loved one’s face in this world, be comforted by knowing that you will one day see them again in Heaven. 

#4 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)- “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Don’t attempt to deal with this emotional weight by isolating and cutting off communication with God. That’s how people end up trying to drink and medicate the pain away. Cast everything that weighs you down on the Lord. He cares for you. Let Him bear the burden for you.

#5 Matthew 11:28 (NLT)- “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”

When a loved one dies, rest can be hard to come by—excruciatingly difficult! When our emotions are restless, sleep is anything but peaceful and sound. But God knows you're weary. Cry out to Him. Let Him hold you in the cradle of His love, and He will give you a different kind of rest for your soul—even in the wee hours of the morning when you can’t sleep.

#6 Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)- “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Loss makes us feel alone, but you're not by yourself. Satan will even tell you that God does not hear your prayers or care about you; if He did, He would not have allowed your loved one to die. Don’t fall for that! The Lord is always with you; He is an ever-present help in trouble.

#7 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)- “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Have you considered that this dark time isn’t just about you? Once you emerge having survived the intensity of grief, you will be a witness to others about how God's love and strength sustained you. You can then use your own suffering to encourage others and tell them that the same God who brought you through it will do the same for them.

Use Scripture as a tool to strengthen you at a time when you need it more than ever. He draws nigh to those who draw night to Him.

May the peace of Christ and the hope of the season be with you and your loved ones through grief.