It’s OK to Grieve

The LORD is close
to the brokenhearted and saves those
who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

Grieving has an honored place in our spiritual journeys. Often, we make the mistake of thinking that our Christian walk should be all “happy-clappy” when in reality, Jesus was a Man of Sorrows who said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). God invites us to feel all of our emotions. Jesus Himself “offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears” (Heb. 5:7).

Friend, when life is falling apart, it’s okay to cry. We tend to exalt being strong and being happy emotionally as the trophy of Christian maturity. God, however, calls us to authentically embrace all the emotions. Grieving allows the cleansing of our heart’s wounds. If we don’t grieve, those wounds become infected and we become bitter. David writes, under the inspiration of the Spirit, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).

As long as we live on earth, suffering and sorrow will be a part of our journey. Unless we embrace grieving as a spiritual discipline, we won’t be able to grow through our suffering and reach a more complete maturity in Christ. Our hope comes from the promise that while we grieve, the Lord Himself comes close and comforts us. Without our seasons of grieving, perhaps we would never know the Lord as intimately.