Coping with loss

First, please allow me to extend my sympathy to you upon the death of your spouse. The risen and ascended Lord has comfort and strength for you through his precious gospel. I encourage you to give your Savior many opportunities to bring you comfort and strength through hearing and reading the precious word of God and by receiving the Lord’s Supper.

My next encouragement is for you to speak to your pastor. He is in a position to listen to your concerns and address them. He may have resources, such as grief support groups, that he could recommend to you. Or he might suggest distance grief counseling through Christian Family Solutions.

Resources I could recommend, beyond Scripture, are books from Northwestern Publishing House. This link will take you to the appropriate part of their web site.

Finally, I would encourage you to allow friends, family and church members to reach out to you. In times of loss, people can easily withdraw from the love and support of others. If people offer help and assistance, do accept their offers. At times like this, people genuinely want to help.

Above all, cling to the words and promises of your God. He assures you: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). God promises you: “’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10). God be with you!