Grief Bites: A New Approach to Growing Through GriefSample

There are times in our lives, and especially during times of grief and sorrow, where it feels like we have no hope. We KNOW we have hope in Christ, because we most likely learned this truth while either growing up in church or possibly from the Bible, but knowing and experiencing it are two totally different things. Our goal is to actually experience hope, so we can find joy again in our lives, and hold on to this Hope throughout our lives, for future life challenges too. After the loss of my fiancés and sister, I did not feel like I had any hope. I came across Psalm 71:14 in the Bible and started praying it and thinking about it day and night. I started thinking to myself all of the reasons why I had hope, even in the midst of the grief....First, I still have God, who cares about my pain and wants to comfort me....Second, I still have other family members who are comforting and encouraging me through hard times....Third, I have a personal copy of the Bible that is packed with all kinds of hope-filled verses, especially in the Psalms, that I can think about as well. Think about this verse, “do not grieve as those who have no hope” – 1 Thess 4:13 1. What is the difference between grieving with or without hope? 2. Do you know someone who grieved hopefully or hopelessly? 3. How did it encourage or discourage you? Write down Psalm 71:14 on an index card or scratch paper, and keep it in your pocket. Pull it out 3-5 times throughout your day and think about this verse, focusing on each word and thinking of ways you can apply it to your life. As we focus on God and His Word, and praise Him through our grief experience, we find a precious treasure: His hope.