God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

Losing someone we love or deeply admire is one of life’s most painful experiences. Whether it is a family member, a dear friend, or even a spiritual leader who influenced our walk with Christ, grief can leave us feeling broken and unsure of how to move forward. Yet, in our deepest sorrow, we can rest in God's comfort in times of loss.  He holds us when a loved one dies, offering His comfort, presence, and peace.

God Is Close to the Brokenhearted

The Bible assures us that God does not leave us alone in our grief. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When our hearts ache with loss, we can cling to the truth that God draws near to us in a special way. His presence brings the kind of comfort that human words often cannot.

The Promise of Eternal Life

One of the greatest comforts for believers is the promise that death is not the end. Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” When we lose a loved one who trusted Christ, we grieve, but not without hope. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, we mourn differently because we look forward to a reunion in heaven.

Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak

God’s Peace in Our Pain

Grief often stirs emotions we can’t easily control—sorrow, anger, confusion, even fear. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t promise to remove our pain instantly, but He does promise a peace that will steady us through it.

Comfort Through the Body of Christ

God often comforts us through His people. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 calls Him “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” When others walk beside us in prayer, with meals, a listening ear, or simply their presence, they become vessels of God’s love and comfort.

Holding On to Hope

Though grief may feel overwhelming, we can hold on to God’s promises. Revelation 21:4 assures us that one day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That hope sustains us when today feels unbearable.

If you are walking through the valley of grief, know that God sees you, loves you, and will carry you through. He is the God of comfort, peace, and eternal hope. Trust Him to heal your heart little by little, until the day comes when sorrow is no more and joy is complete in His presence.

30 Days of Comfort: A Devotional for Processing Death with the Word of God

When someone we love passes away, our world is shaken. Grief brings waves of sorrow, anger, numbness, guilt, and confusion. While the world seems to move forward, our hearts can remain still, aching in silence. But God’s Word reminds us that we are never alone in our mourning.

30 Days of Comfort is a devotional designed to gently guide you through the valley of grief, one day at a time, with truth, hope, and the promises of God. Whether your loss is recent or decades old, this resource offers space to process your pain through Scripture and reflection.

Why This Devotional Matters

Grief looks different for everyone. Some face the sudden loss of a loved one, while others walk through a long season of goodbyes. No matter how it comes, grief leaves us searching for peace. The Bible is not silent about sorrow—Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of His friend. God’s Word is filled with comfort, assurance, and promises for the brokenhearted.

This devotional was created to walk alongside you through thirty days of Scripture, reflection, and healing. Each day helps you take one gentle step toward peace without rushing your grief or demanding you “move on.”

What You’ll Find Inside

Each day of the devotional includes:

• A Bible verse with translation, offering comfort, hope, or perspective

• A devotional insight to help you reflect on God’s promises in your season of loss

• A self-reflection question to guide honest conversations between you and the Lord

Examples from the first week include:

• Day 1: God Sees Your Grief (Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows…”)

• Day 2: The Lord Is Close (Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”)

• Day 4: Jesus Wept Too (John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”)

• Day 7: It’s Okay to Be Angry (Job 7:11 – “I will not keep silent; I will speak out…”)

These daily moments of reflection give you permission to feel, to mourn, and to trust God with the depths of your sorrow.

Who This Devotional Is For

This 30-day journey is for anyone carrying grief:

• The loss of a spouse, parent, child, or friend

• The grief of a miscarriage, broken dream, or painful season

• Those supporting loved ones through grief and needing encouragement themselves

Whether your pain is new or long-standing, this devotional invites you to sit with the God who collects every tear, hears every prayer, and promises to bring beauty from ashes.

The Promise of Comfort

Grief does not have to be carried alone. God’s Spirit meets us in our pain, His Word speaks life into silence, and His presence brings peace when nothing else can.

As Matthew 5:4 (ESV) reminds us:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Let this devotional be your companion for the next thirty days as you open your heart to the healing comfort only God can provide.

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God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life

How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life

Grief is one of life’s hardest experiences, and it can be especially confusing for children. They may not understand why someone they love is no longer with them, and they may struggle with emotions they’ve never felt before. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we have the privilege of helping children walk through grief with honesty, compassion, and faith. The Bible provides us with wisdom and comfort, giving us the tools to guide young hearts through sorrow.  Here are suggestions about how to talk to children about grief and loss of life. 

Speak Honestly, But Gently

Children need honesty, but in words they can understand. Scripture reminds us that there is “a time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). Explaining death as a natural part of life, while assuring them of God’s love, helps children begin to process loss. Avoid phrases like “they went to sleep” or “we lost them,” which can cause fear or confusion. Instead, gently say that their loved one has died, but also share the hope we have in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 Plaque

Remind Them of God’s Presence

In moments of sadness, children need reassurance that they are not alone. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let your child know that God sees their tears and is near to them. Pray with them and encourage them to talk to God about how they feel. Sometimes, just reminding them that God listens brings comfort.

Encourage Expression of Emotions

Jesus Himself wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). This shows children that sadness and tears are not only normal but also God-given ways to express grief. Encourage them to draw, write, talk, or even cry when they feel sorrow. Let them know it’s okay to feel angry, confused, or scared. When children see adults grieving in healthy ways, they learn that emotions are not something to hide but something God understands.

Share the Hope of Heaven

For children who know Jesus, grief can be softened with the promise of eternal life. Remind them of Jesus’ words in John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you.” Explain that believers in Christ live forever with Him, and one day, we will be reunited. This truth doesn’t erase the pain, but it plants seeds of hope in young hearts.

Keep Talking, Keep Listening

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral or a few weeks of sadness. Children may ask the same questions over and over, or their grief may surface months later. Continue to be patient and open. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “train up a child in the way he should go.” Part of that training is guiding them through difficult seasons of life, pointing them back to God’s love and truth again and again.

Talking to children about grief is never easy, but God equips us to guide them with honesty, compassion, and hope. By sharing the truth of Scripture, acknowledging their emotions, and reminding them of God’s presence, we can help them see that even in sorrow, Jesus is our comforter. As we walk alongside them, we not only ease their pain but also teach them to lean on the One who “wipes away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).

Helping Children Process Grief with Bible Verse Memory Cards

Grief can be especially difficult for children to understand. They may not have the words to express their feelings, but they can feel the weight of sadness, confusion, and even fear when someone they love is gone. As parents, grandparents, or teachers, we want to offer them comfort and assurance—and God’s Word gives us exactly that.

That’s why I created these Bible Verse Memory Cards designed to help children process grief and loss. Each card features a simple, comforting scripture paired with a child-friendly illustration of Jesus. Verses like “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4) and “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6) remind kids that God is close to the brokenhearted and always with them.

These cards can be used in many ways:

• As memory verses to hide God’s promises in their hearts.

• As conversation starters when children are ready to talk about their feelings.

• As daily reminders tucked into a lunchbox, pinned on the fridge, or placed beside their bed.

Children may not understand all the “why” questions that come with grief, but they can understand the love and comfort of Jesus. By surrounding them with God’s Word in simple, tangible ways, we can help them feel secure, hopeful, and loved—even in the midst of loss.

If you’d like to use these in your own home, classroom, or church, you can find the set of printable Bible Verse Memory Cards here.

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How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life