Few things cause more stress or heartache than the death of a mate, relative, or dear friend.
While acknowledging and expressing grief can have a healing effect, there is not one “right way” to grieve. Much may depend on an individual’s culture, personality, and life experiences, as well as the nature of the loss.
Be patient with yourself. Take one day at a time, move at your own pace, and know that the pangs of grief do not last forever. That said, are there things you can do to ease your grief now and even prevent your grief from being unnecessarily prolonged?
The Bible, however, contains more than dependable advice. It provides information found nowhere else, which can bring immeasurable comfort to those who grieve.
- Assurance that our dead loved ones are not suffering
“The dead know nothi\ng,” says the Bible at Ecclesiastes 9:5. Their “thoughts perish.” (Psalm 146:4) Consistent with this, the Bible likens death to peaceful sleep. —John 11:11.
- A strong belief in a loving God brings comfort
The Bible says at Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of Jehovah * are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their cry for help.” Expressing our feelings in prayer to God is more than good therapy or a means of organizing our thoughts. It actually helps us to establish a personal relationship with our Creator, who can use his power to comfort us.
- A better future to look forward to
Imagine a time in the future when those in the grave will be brought back to life here on earth! The Bible repeatedly speaks of such a time. Describing what conditions on earth will then be like, the Bible states that God “will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” —Revelation 21:3, 4.
Following is a list of suggestions that will help you.
- 1: ACCEPT SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
According to your needs, balance time spent with others and time spent alone.
- 2: WATCH YOUR DIET, AND MAKE TIME FOR EXERCISE
Eat healthful food, drink plenty of water, and exercise moderately.
Recognize that sleep is essential to dealing with the fatigue of grieving.
Since everyone grieves differently, find what works for you.
- 5: AVOID SELF-DESTRUCTIVE HABITS
Avoid the misuse of alcohol or drugs —which creates more problems than it solves.
Alternate periods of grieving with time for socializing and recreation.
Regain a sense of normalcy by keeping yourself occupied with a good routine.
- 8: AVOID MAKING BIG DECISIONS TOO SOON
If possible, wait a year or more before making big decisions you may later regret.
- 9: REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE
Collect pictures and mementos or write in a journal to keep alive your memory of the person who has died.
Make time for a change of pace —even if for just a day or part of a day.
Renew your sense of purpose by doing things for those who need help, including others affected by the loss of your loved one.
- 12: REEVALUATE YOUR PRIORITIES
Use this opportunity to gain new insights into what truly matters and, as needed, make adjustments to your priorities.
The Bible, however, contains more than dependable advice. It provides information found nowhere else, which can bring immeasurable comfort to those who grieve.
- Assurance that our dead loved ones are not suffering
“The dead know nothing,” says the Bible at Ecclesiastes 9:5. Their “thoughts perish.” (Psalm 146:4) Consistent with this, the Bible likens death to peaceful sleep. —John 11:11.
- A strong belief in a loving God brings comfort
The Bible says at Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of Jehovah * are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their cry for help.” Expressing our feelings in prayer to God is more than good therapy or a means of organizing our thoughts. It actually helps us to establish a personal relationship with our Creator, who can use his power to comfort us.
- A better future to look forward to
Imagine a time in the future when those in the grave will be brought back to life here on earth! The Bible repeatedly speaks of such a time. Describing what conditions on earth will then be like, the Bible states that God “will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” —Revelation 21:3, 4.
This information was taken from Awake #3 [2018]. For additional information please refer to website jw.org.
