Grieving is a wonderful emotional tool. When a crisis is over, grief is the only right response. And if you grieve after a crisis, it means your emotional system is healthy and working.

Grief is deep emotional distress caused by a mishap, bereavement, or a disaster. Grieving is living in an emotional state of experiencing deep sorrow.

Think of these two emotions on a continuum. On one end is Deep Grieving on the opposite end is Deep Joy. When tragedy happens do your deep grief work. Work through the stages of grief. Cry out to God. Tell him all about your emotional pain. He wants to walk through it with you.

During the time of Deep Grieving

Allow your mind to remember times of Deep Joy. One example would be when you’re attending a funeral, and someone tells a story of the deceased, then the whole group experiences an outburst of laughter. They are remembering times of Deep Joy.

Why this matters

You’re made to experience Deep Grief and Deep Joy. As you go forward, allow grief to make your joy even greater.

Prayer

Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, thank you for walking with me through my times of grief. Thank you for never forsaking me. Amen.

Bible

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)