Studying Bible Verses About Loss to Cope with Grief

The sense of loss can run deep. It encompasses mourning and grief. It can stem from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the failure to accomplish a dream or goal. The grieving process applies to any loss and includes five stages: denial (shock), anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Whatever stage of the grieving process you are currently going through (you can cycle through the stages a few times before acceptance), studying Bible verses about loss can help you see how God brings us comfort during the hardest trials in our lives. He helps us  overcome grief.

Bible Verses about Loss

We live in a fallen, sinful world, and we experience loss and grief because of this. Our tears fall, and our hearts hurt for what could have been or the memories of something or someone special to us. Yet, God sent us His Son to ensure that we will have joy and no more tears for eternity after this life.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘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.” – Revelation 21:3-4, NIV

In the meantime, we must walk through dark times, knowing that we will emerge stronger, braver, and wiser. We will come out the other side and move past this loss.

When we enter the denial stage, we want to avoid the pain. We procrastinate on the arrangements after the death of a loved one, often delegating them to someone else. We avoid completing mundane forms after the loss of a business. Yet, the details help us honor our loved ones and acknowledge a huge goal that did not work out as we expected. This is the time to pay tribute to the memory.

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV

Our loss and grief are designed to bring us closer to the Lord, as He is our comforter. He draws us to Him. Sometimes the loss, especially in business, a relationship, or a goal, is due to our jumping ahead and not waiting for God.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV

Yet, God is merciful and will hear our cries. We can depend on Him to give us a fresh start each day.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:20-23, NIV

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. – Joel 2:13, NIV

God can turn our loss and grief into joy. If we lean into Him during our most troubled times, He can heal our hearts. The grieving process takes time, but God can use our grief for good.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. – Psalm 30:11-12, NIV

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11, NIV

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. – Psalm 118:24, NIV

One of the best and hardest ways to bring joy out of loss is to praise God in the worst of storms. Praising and worshiping God opens communication with Him and allows the Holy Spirit to commune with us. Our tears become tears of joy and hope.

You may not feel like praising God after losing a loved one or a decades-long dream. But in these moments, you can choose to honor Him and watch Him work deeper in your heart, your faith, and your life.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. – Psalm 126:5, NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13, NIV

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. – John 4:23, NIV

Jesus experienced loss. Jesus felt the heart-wrenching pain of losing a friend when Lazarus passed away. By the time Jesus reached the town, Lazarus had been in the tomb for days. The Bible tells us that “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35, NIV) Although Jesus resurrected Lazarus at that time, He allowed Himself a moment to grieve. Jesus’ resurrection power lives in each believer, and we will see our loved ones again.

When we reach the acceptance stage in the grieving process, we may be ready to help other people with their losses. One person can make all the difference in how a person copes with loss and grief. As you study Bible verses about loss, note the instances when God sent someone to speak with a person in mourning.

Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none. – Psalm 69:20, NIV

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. – Romans 12:15, NIV

You may fulfill your life’s calling by serving others, especially in the type of loss you suffered. God can use our losses, grief, and even evil for our good.

You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. – Hebrews 10:34-35, NIV

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll; are they not in your record? – Psalm 56:8, NIV

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. – Psalm 119:28, NIV

If you are in a season of loss and mourning, find godly people you can trust. Borrow strength from God and your support network. If you’re looking for additional help and support beyond these Bible verses about loss, we invite you to contact our office today at Little Elm Christian Counseling to speak with a Christian counselor in Texas.

When you feel you have lost it all

There will be times during the grieving process when you will feel as if you have lost everything. The hopelessness seems overwhelming, but God knows what you are going through. He still stands beside you and is willing and wanting to walk through the fire with you, as evident through the Bible verses about loss.

His word states, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV) If you feel your spirit is crushed and unsure how you will pull through this, reach out to our office at Little Elm Christian Counseling today. We will connect you with a Christian counselor specializing in overcoming loss, grief, and mourning. God is still with you. Allow us to help you through this season.