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If you’re looking for guidance on coping with grief, there are many ideas out there, but not all of them are helpful. However, there are some basic guidelines that have proved practical for many. These guidelines, cited by grief counselors, echo timeless principles found in the Bible, such as:

ACCEPT SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Lean on your loved ones during this time of grief. While you may need some alone time, try to find a balance between time with others and time alone.
WATCH YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help alleviate stress.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: Sleep is important for everyone, but especially so for those who are grieving. Be mindful of your caffeine and alcohol intake as they can interfere with sleep.
BE FLEXIBLE: Everyone grieves differently, so find the strategy that works best for you. If you need to confide in someone but are hesitant to do so, start small by expressing some of your feelings to a close friend.
AVOID SELF-DESTRUCTIVE HABITS: Misusing alcohol or drugs will only provide short-lived relief and can have major negative consequences. Seek harmless ways to calm your anxieties.
BALANCE YOUR TIME: Alternate periods of grieving with temporary breaks that distance you from your pain.
KEEP A ROUTINE: Resuming a normal routine will help you regain a sense of normalcy and keep yourself occupied with positive activities.
AVOID MAKING BIG DECISIONS TOO SOON: Wait for a reasonable length of time before making any major decisions.
REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE: Doing things that keep their memory alive can be beneficial, such as collecting pictures or mementos or creating a journal.
GET AWAY: Consider taking a vacation or doing something enjoyable for just a day or two.
HELP OTHERS: Supporting and comforting others can give you renewed joy and a sense of purpose.
REEVALUATE YOUR PRIORITIES: Use this time to evaluate how you are using your life and make any necessary adjustments.

While these guidelines may not completely erase the pain of loss, they have helped many find comfort. Consider trying some of these suggestions to see if they bring you a measure of relief during this difficult time. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve, so be kind to yourself and allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come with loss.

HELP FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE

Losing a loved one is a painful experience that has been extensively researched in recent times. However, the most reliable expert advice still harmonizes with the ancient wisdom found in the Bible, as it provides unparalleled comfort to those who grieve.

According to the Bible, our departed loved ones do not suffer anymore as they “know nothing” and their “thoughts perish” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, Psalm 146:4). Death is compared to peaceful sleep (John 11:11).

Believing in a loving God brings great comfort to those in grief, as it assures us that God listens to our prayers and can use His power to comfort us (Psalm 34:15).

Moreover, the Bible promises a better future for us and our loved ones. A time will come when those who have died will be resurrected and brought back to life on earth. This future is described as one where God will “wipe out every tear” from our eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, outcry, or pain (Revelation 21:3-4).

Millions of people have found comfort and strength in the Bible’s promises, including Ann, who lost her husband of 65 years. She finds solace in the assurance that her loved one is not suffering and that God will resurrect all who are in His memory.

Tiina, who also suffered a loss, felt God’s support and the promise of resurrection was very real to her. She found strength to keep going until the day when she will see her loved one again.

If you’re grieving, even if you feel the Bible’s claims are unreal, it is worth investigating the evidence that its counsel and promises are sound. The Bible might just be the best help for those who mourn.

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).