Grief

When we hear the word grief in reference to the bible, we will more than likely think of Job. How easy it is to skim through the 42 chapters devoted to telling his story, without experiencing any more than a small blip on our empathy radar.

What we often fail to miss is the gravity of what Job and his wife lost, which was everything. I doubt the loss of their livestock and possessions even mattered, perhaps not even the failing of Job’s health. Job and his wife, in a matter of minutes, would have been consumed by the pain that resulted from the loss of their children. 

Job’s wife often receives a lot of flak for her response to the predicament they found themselves in, and I believe unnecessarily so. Besides the decline of her health, she suffered in those moments just as Job did, and while her response to grief was different; it was not wrong. 

Job’s mourning and grieving could have been left out when written but instead were included.

Caitlin Walker

Grief can sometimes be a taboo topic in the church but is not something that the word of God neglects to discuss. Job’s mourning and grieving could have been left out when written but instead were included. Why? Why are there numerous chapters filled with the back and forth between Job and his friends, wife, and even God? 

Psalms 147:3 tells us “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” The word “binds” in this scripture means to bind up, restrain, bandage, and govern. This indicates compassion and patience from the One administering relief. The time needed to tend to a wound requires knowledge, time, and interest in the suffering’s recovery. It also shows dedication to the process involved in healing, as open wounds will require fresh bandages to be applied and a watchful eye to be aware of any infection.   

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Caitlin Walker

Our God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, takes on the role of a humble servant every time He begins the work of mending a wound. The sight and sound of pain are not off-putting to Him, but rather in those vulnerable moments of our frail humanity, He hears the cry of His hurting child and comes running. 

Grief is not to be ignored or denied, for God can do beautiful work in those sorrowful moments. We should not minimize or ignore the very real emotions that walk hand in hand with grief but rather acknowledge that sorrow and mourning are undeniably painful, lean into that process, and find God in those moments. 

Grief is not to be ignored or denied, for God can do beautiful work in those sorrowful moments.

Caitlin Walker

There is no certainty of the length of time that Job suffered, but we know that God spoke to Job near the end of 42 pain-filled chapters. I imagine that moment to have been a holy one, as God describes all His wonders and creations. In your times of suffering and grief, I challenge you to find God in those moments. He may not show up as you expect, but His word promises that He will remain faithful and near.