Grief stories: When grief comes in waves

In this heartfelt section, we share grief stories that capture the raw, transformative journey of loss: Whether a loss of a parent, loss of a husband or wife, or loss of a child. Grief comes in waves, ebbing and flowing through moments of sorrow and hope. Each grief story offers a glimpse into the resilient spirit of those who, through faith, find solace and strength in God’s presence. Explore these powerful testimonies and how God comforts those who mourns, just as Jesus promised in the Beatitudes. His love and grace shine even in the darkest times.

Bible verses about grief

These bible verses about grief offer comfort and hope. If yo’ure navigating the waves of loss, remember that God is with you as you mourn. He wants to comfort you and is already with you, grieving as you grieve. One of the most powerful sentences in the English language is also the shortest, and it’s found in scripture, in John 11:35 (NIV): “Jesus wept.” If you are weeping, the God of the universe is weeping, too .

• Matthew 5:4 (NIV): "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

  This Beatitude offers a promise of God’s comfort to those grieving, assuring them that their sorrow is seen and soothed by His love.

• Psalm 34:18 (NIV): “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

  A reminder that God draws near to those overwhelmed by grief. God offers us comfort and promises a divine rescue.

• John 16:22 (NIV): "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

  This verse speaks to the temporary nature of grief, pointing to the eternal joy found in Christ.

• 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."

  A hopeful vision of a future where grief is no more, replaced by God’s eternal peace.

• Psalm 147:3 (NIV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

  This verse emphasizes God’s gentle care in healing the wounds of those who mourn.

How to write a grief story

Many people find writing about their grief helpful. Writing your story can honor your loved one, acknowledge what they mean to you, and help you process the emotions and feelings you’re experiencing. If you’re looking for a step-by-step process for how to write a grief story, we recommend using the five-step approach we share our book, “Faith Storytellers.”

One critical difference in the approach we teaching to writing about grief is to start with prayer. Ask God where he was in your story. Ask God how he comforted you before you lost your loved one, how he was with you when you realized they had passed, and how he comforted or guided you after.

Many times, storytellers did not feel God’s presence in the moment — it was only after, when writing their story, that they see how God was with them in the small and meaningful moments, seemingly ordinary coincidences that brought comfort during an excruciating time.

As you write, there’s no reason to sugarcoat your grief, especially if you are writing your story for yourself, to help you process your loss. Authenticity is crucial. Let grief feel real and raw — messy, nonlinear, and more than anything, true. Avoid oversimplifying it into a tidy resolution unless you’ve reached a sense of resolution.

There’s no timeline for grief, and as you’ll read in the grief stories below, it’s common for grief to come in waves, to ebb and flow over time. It’s normal to continue to mourn the loss of a child, sibling, friend, boyfriend, parent, or spouse in the weeks, months, years, and even decades after they pass. They mattered, and their relationship with them mattered. It’s worth writing down.

Grief stories: Share your faith-based experiences

Have a story to share about your faith journey as it relates to grief? Consider sharing your story with the Faith Storytellers community. Pray through the experiences, people, and moments that prompted you to seek God. Importantly, how did God comfort you as you grieved?

Submit your faith story. While we accept may kinds of faith stories, if you’re reading this article, consider sharing a story that reflects how God fulfilled a promise to be with you during difficult times. For example, pray through Matthew 5:4 (NIV), which says:"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Here’s how to submit your story today.

Looking for storytelling guidance? Our book, “Faith Storytellers,” outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to crafting a personal testimony or story about your belief in God. Many people struggle with the loss of a loved one. Being prepared to share your own grief story can help another person in their moment of need.

Looking for more faith stories or storytelling prompts? Join our newsletter to receive free faith stories and storytelling prompts. In addition to enjoying these stories, many subscribers will forward our newsletters on to a friend or family who might benefit from that particular faith story.

Read grief stories God is always near

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through Faith Storytellers, you’re supporting our mission to lift up and share the story God is writing in the world.