How should I approach the mourning of a loved one?

Genesis 23:1-2When Sarah was 127 years old, she died at Kiriath-arba (now called Hebron) in the land of Canaan. There Abraham mourned and wept for her.

We can expect that the loss of a loved one will prompt deep and difficult emotions. We should never be afraid to express those emotions visibly.

Deuteronomy 34:8The people of Israel mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the customary period of mourning was over.

When Moses died, the Israelites set aside thirty days for doing nothing but mourning. Certainly their time of grief went well beyond the first month. Likewise for us, we need to take time for mourning and then expect that grief will continue with us even as we get back into our routines. Often, after the death of a child, spouse, or parent, intense sorrow will persist for a year or more. We shouldn’t be surprised if it takes a long time. During the dark valley of shadow, we should walk with God, remembering that he walks with us.

Psalm 30:5Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Scripture assures us that mourning will not continue forever. While we may always have a sense of loss, we can expect that the pain will eventually subside.

John 11:33-35When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept.

Even Jesus mourned, and we can know and take comfort that he mourns with us.

Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

We eagerly look forward to the eternal life God’s promises, where the pain of death and mourning will be permanently eliminated.