When life throws us difficult circumstances, we might find ourselves on the prowl for the best Bible verse that can help us understand, cope and carry on. Grief and loss are two things that we are all going to experience during this lifetime. We can grieve the loss of a person, a job, an opportunity, a chapter of life or a painful experience.
In the Great American Original movie, "Mr. Manhattan," young siblings AJ and Reuben experience the loss of their parents and their uncle, Mason, becomes their new guardian. Mason struggles to provide for the kids, balance his work pressures as a successful lawyer in the big city and process his own grief.
Learning to process grief and loss isn't easy. Bible verses and prayers can help us process grief in a healthy way and with the help of the Lord. It’s during these difficult moments that we seek Bible verses about loss and Bible verses about grief that can help lift us up and out of our difficult circumstances.
Let's take a look at some Bible verses and prayers about grief and use examples from "Mr. Manhattan" to see how we can lean on God in times of loss.
Bible Verses about Grief & Loss
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When tough times hit, this is one of the best Bible verses about fear, worry and grief. Isaiah 41:10 can offer true solace by reminding us that God is always with us, even in our sadness and our loss. He is with us and will never forsake us. Though our grief might feel painful now, this Bible verse reminds us that we can lean on God in times of weakness and He will be our stronghold.
In "Mr. Manhattan," young siblings Reuben and AJ have to process losing their parents. Feeling overwhelmed and scared of not having the comfort and protection of their parents, they go to live with their uncle in the middle of Manhattan. They rely on their relationship with God and prayer to help them process their major loss.
John 16:33 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Bible verses about grief tell us that we will have trouble in life, but that Jesus has “overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) offers a powerful reminder of the pain we might encounter, but of Christ’s power to help us get through anything we face. This is one of the best Bible verses for grief to consider in the midst of sadness.
In "Mr. Manhattan," the sibling's uncle, Mason is resistent to believe God can give him peace in his chaotic situation. Mason hasn't cultivated his relationship with God in years, and doesn't think God would've allowed him or his niece and nephew to be in this current situation of grief and loss. But as he slowly allows himself to open up to God once more, he sees where God has been creating peace in his heart.
READ ALSO: 20 Bible Verses About Strength: God’s Word on Faith in Hard Times
Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
There’s much joy in scriptures, though there’s also some sadness in the Bible — stories of characters who have faced difficult circumstances, or experienced grief and loss, and had overcome. Isaiah 40:29 is one of the Bible verses that reminds us of the power and strength we can get from God when we feel spent, pain or defeated.
As Mason continues to face challenges with his newfound guardianship, he slowly realizes how God is providing him with strength in his journey. Dealing with grief while trying to continue to further his career proves to be more difficult than Mason thought it would be. It isn't until he verbally asks God for help that he is able to see God's strength helping him in his situation.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The Lord knows when we are suffering. He knows when we are dealing with grief and loss and we need His help. Because of how much He loves us, when we feel pain, His heart hurts as well. During this time, He puts us under His protection so that we can heal and grieve in the comfort of His arms.
Mason realizes how much AJ and Reuben are hurting from the pain of losing their parents. God gives him the ability to see that they both need him to be a safe space for them both to grieve and feel loved. Mason provides them with stories of their father and mother that encourages the siblings to feel their parents' spirit in their own hearts.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Bible verses about grief remind us that, no matter what happens, God is on our side. Grief and loss can make us feel like our whole world is shattered; that the earth has given way and the mountains have fallen and quake. God is present with us even in the roar of the pain we feel when grieving.
AJ and Reuben's whole word is shaken when they lose their parents. Their babysitter and family friend, Dani, encourages them to seek God through their grief. Their prayers and petitions help them feel God's presence through their sadness and strengthens them to continue moving forward throughout their days.
Read Also: 5 Prayers for the Dying: How to Pray for Loved Ones While Grieving
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
"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.”
Bible verses for grief help us to focus on the peace and eternity that God promises each of us as His beloved followers. In this Bible verse, God promises us that our pain, grief and loss has a purpose. While this side of heaven has pain, loss, and death, we can be comforted by knowing that in eternal life, these things will have "passed away." We each have a place in eternity where we will no longer have to experience these pains.
Mason knows that comforting his niece and nephew doesn't take away the pain and grief they feel of missing their parents. Dani, their babysitter and family friend, tries to remind them of God's promises of Revelation 21:4 (NIV). She uses their pain and grief to be a lesson on the promises of eternal life, a life without loss.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Many times looking at sadness in the Bible helps us process whatever struggle we might be facing. Reading about others who have come before us and experienced grief and suffering can help offer us solace. Bible verses about grief help us remember to turn our fears over to the Lord, no matter what we struggle with.
Psalm 119:50 (NIV)
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Suffering comes with sadness, pain and grief. If you’re struggling, look to examples of sadness in the Bible and also to comforting verses like Psalm 119:50. This scripture reminds us of God’s promises. It’s one of the Bible verses for grief and suffering that reminds us that God will always preserve us, no matter what challenge invades our lives.
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4
Remembering that God is with us in the midst of the worst storms can help us work our way through any tumultuous life event. This is one of the most powerful Bible verses about sadness, particularly when it comes to death and dire situations.
READ ALSO: Psalm 23 Meaning: Analysis of This Powerful Scripture
Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Bible verses about sadness and Bible verses about grief remind us that there’s a God who is ever-present and ready to offer us comfort. As we seek the best Bible verse to cope with whatever is before us, Matthew 5:4 is a must-read scripture. Sadness in the Bible is addressed, and the solution to dealing with these emotions is Christ.
Psalm 30:5 (NIV)
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
It’s important to remember that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Bible verses about grief and pain remind us that, though we might suffer at moments and live in sadness, there is still hope. This is yet another one of the important Bible verses about sadness that’s worth keeping in mind.
Prayers for Grief and Loss
The family and friends who are grieving any type of loss, whether that be the loss of a loved one, a job, an opportunity or experience, need encouragement through prayer. Here are some prayers to share with those experiencing grief and loss.
Prayer for a Grieving Heart
This prayer is a reflection and meditation based off Revelation 21:4 (NIV) that we've mentioned earlier in this article.
Dear God, I humbly come before You with a heavy heart. I pray that as I go through this season of sorrow, You would show me Your love and grace. Help me to find peace in Your presence. Wipe my tears, Lord, and carry me through this season of mourning and deep sadness. Help me to trust in Your unfailing love and to fix my eyes on You, Jesus. As I lift my worries to You, I humbly ask that You lift up my heart from this grief that overwhelms me. May Your presence bring me joy and comfort as I embark on this journey of healing with You. In Your most holy name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for a Loved One Who is Grieving
Just like Mason and Dani prayed for AJ and Reuben, we, too, can pray for our loved ones who experience grief or loss.
Lord, You are the God of strength, hope, and comfort. This is a sure promise and I pray that my grieving friend would find solace in this truth. Please help them to be strong and courageous during this time of sorrow, knowing that You are with them. I pray for my friend to look to You for help. Lend them Your strength as they lean on You for support and comfort during this very difficult time. I pray for rest and refreshment for their tired and weary soul, as only You can give them the rest they need. I humbly ask that You renew my friend’s strength as they place their hope in you. Blessed be God forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Family and Mourners of The Dying
Losing a loved one can be difficult for the entire family. Everyone who passes this life has people who care about them and experience grief after their passing. It's important to remember their loved ones and lift them up during this difficult time as well.
This prayer by Brad Andres asks God to comfort and care for the family during their grief:
God, Bring this family peace. Provide them with your comfort. Let them know you tenderly care for each and every one of them. Lead them to be reunited with their loved one some day. Sit with them in their mourning. Let your presence provide rest. Thank you, for the gift of life that [insert name]
Read Also: 10 Comforting Bible Verses for Death of a Loved One
Prayer of Assurance Amongst Grief and Loss
During our grief, prayer should help calm our spirit as we ask God to bring us healing and peace. This prayer of assurance is one that we can use when we seek comfort and rest.
Lord, thank You for You are always going before us. The grief and emptiness that we feel now in losing a loved one is not the end for us, for we know You hold tomorrow in Your hands. Thank You for the hope and comfort that Your presence brings. We offer this prayer with hope in our hearts, knowing that we will see our departed loved ones and friends again in the glory of Your presence in our home in heaven. Help us cling to this hope as we process our grief. May we always focus on You and know that we can always find comfort and refuge in Your love. We glorify Your most holy name always. Amen.
Prayer to Remain Faithful Among Grief
Like Mason, our grief can sometimes cause us to question our faith and shake the foundation of our lives rooted in God. Being aware that this can happen in a time when emotions are running high and we are discouraged, let us remember this prayer during times of grief and loss.
Lord, I come humbly before You today. My heart is heavy and I have a lot of questions in my mind. I pray, God, for Your wisdom and enlightenment to understand the reason for this loss. I know that Your will is always pleasing and perfect and I pray that You give me the heart to trust in this truth during this season. Help me Lord to trust in Your steadfast love and to remain faithful and obedient to You. I know that I am not defeated for You are for me and not against me. Remind me, Lord, that all things work for the good of us who love You. Help me build and strengthen my faith this season, Lord, that I may still glorify You. We glorify You always. Amen.
That concludes our list of Bible verses and prayers to sustain you during troubled times of grief and sadness. To watch the Great American Original movie, "Mr. Manhattan," and many other titles about faith, family and country, sign up for your free 7-day trial to Great American Pure Flix.
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