When a Loved One Dies - HOW SOME HAVE COPED

ACCEPT HELP

One doctor says:  "The bereaved who allow friends and relatives to help them through [the] initial period  [of shock] ten to continue to move with some ease through the different phases of grief."  Let your friends know what they can do to help; they likely want to but might not know  how. -PROVERBS 17:17.

DRAW CLOSER TO GOD

Tina says:  "When I suddenly lost my husband to cancer, I could no longer confide in him, so I would tell God everything!  I started each day asking him to help me through the day.  God helped me in more ways than I can mention."  Tarsha, who was 22 years old when her mother died, says: "Bible reading was my daily source of comfort. It gave me something to think about."



VISUALIZE THE RESURRECTION

 Tina continues: "Initially, the resurrection hope didn't comfort me because I needed my husband-and my boys needed their father-right then.  However, now, four years later, I cling to this hope. It's a lifeline for me. I imagine seeing him again, and it brings me such peace and joy!"

You are not likely to experience instant relief from your grief. Nevertheless, Vanessa's experience can be reassuring.  She says,  "You think you'll never get through it, but you will see brighter days."

Remember, while the void you feel in your heart may not disappear, life is still worth living.  With God's tender help, you can still enjoy warm friendships and a purposeful life. And soon God will resurrect  the dead.  He wants you to be able to embrace your loved one again.  Then that pain in your heart will be healed forever!

BIBLE VERSES THAT CAN HELP

God cares about your grief and tears.

One Bible writer said to God:  "Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book!" -PSALM 56:8.

You can pour your heart out to God.

"Before [God] I tell my distress . . . I call to you, O Jehovah, for help." -PSALM 142:2, 5.

You can have hope.

"There is going to be a resurrection." -PSALM 24:15.

God promises to bring back to life countless people who have died, and he years to do so. -JOB 14:14, 15.

Next time: When a Spouse Is Unfaithful

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