7 scriptures to guide you through the hardest days of mourning

In times of sorrow, the Bible offers solace and strength.

The thing is that the Bible is a real reservoir of wisdom and comfort. As a result, during grief and mourning, we often turn to scriptures, seeking guidance and assurance.

In the throes of loss, scriptures can serve as a beacon, illuminating our path through the dense fog of grief. They remind us of God’s unending love and His promise of eventual solace.

For those facing the hardest days of mourning, we’ve identified 7 scriptures that can guide you, providing comfort during these challenging moments.

Each scripture has been chosen for its relevance and resonance during times of grief. They serve as reminders of God’s constant presence and His unwavering love during our darkest hours.

1. Psalm 34:18: The closeness of the Lord in our suffering

In the midst of mourning, it’s natural to feel alone and isolated in your pain.

This is where the power of scripture comes into play.

It’s like a comforting whisper that reaches out, assuring you that you’re not alone in your suffering.

The first scripture we turn to is Psalm 34:18:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse is a profound reminder of God’s constant presence, especially during our most challenging times. It reassures us that in moments of deep sorrow and despair, the Lord is not distant or indifferent.

Instead, He draws near to those with broken hearts, offering His divine comfort and solace. God’s closeness becomes a source of strength and healing, a beacon of hope in our darkest hours.

Thus, this scripture can be a powerful part of your daily devotions during mourning, serving as a reminder that you are not alone in your grief.

The Lord is with you, and His love encompasses all your pain and sorrow.

2. Matthew 5:4: The promise of comfort for those who mourn

Our second scripture, Matthew 5:4, is found in the heart of the Beatitudes, where Jesus declared:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Believe it or not, this verse carries an incredible promise.

That’s because, amid our mourning, Jesus assures us of divine comfort.

The Greek word used for ‘comforted’ in this verse is ‘parakaleo,’ which means ‘to call to one’s side.’ It implies that God doesn’t merely alleviate our sorrow from afar; He comes alongside us in our grief.

And if you make this scripture a part of your daily devotion during mourning, it can provide a profound sense of comfort.

Why?

Because it serves as a gentle reminder that even in grief, there are blessings to be found – the foremost being God’s promise of His comforting presence.

3. Revelation 21:4: The ultimate end of sorrow and pain

Moving forward, let’s delve into the book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 21:4, where it is written:

“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.”

Look, I know this scripture might seem counterintuitive during mourning.

After all, we are in the throes of pain and loss.

Yet, this verse offers a profound and comforting truth. It speaks of a future where suffering is no more, where God Himself comforts us by wiping away our tears.

Including this scripture in your daily devotions is a powerful reminder that our earthly mourning is temporary. It instills hope for the glorious future God has promised us – a world free from sorrow and pain.

4. John 14:27: The gift of peace in times of turmoil

Ever wondered about the kind of peace that Jesus promised?

Let’s explore John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This scripture presents a beautiful promise from Jesus – the gift of His peace, right?

And most importantly, it’s not the fleeting, conditional peace that the world offers. This is a deep, abiding peace that transcends understanding, a peace that remains steadfast even in the midst of sorrow and mourning.

As part of your daily devotions during mourning, reflect on this scripture. Let it remind you that Jesus has gifted you His peace, a peace that can soothe your troubled heart and quiet your fears.

Insight: The Greek word for peace used in this verse is ‘eirene,’ which signifies harmony, tranquility, and restfulness.

5. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: The comfort we receive and share

Our fifth scripture is a passage from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

“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.”

This scripture emphasizes two key points:

• The nature of God as the ‘Father of compassion’ and the ‘God of all comfort’
• The purpose of the comfort we receive – to share it with others in their time of need

What’s more, the scripture underscores how our experiences, even painful ones like mourning, can equip us to empathetically support others in their times of distress.

In other words, the comfort we receive from God during our hardest days isn’t just for us. It’s also a resource that enables us to extend God’s comfort to others.

6. Romans 8:18: The future glory that outweighs present suffering

Let’s dive into Romans 8:18, a scripture that boldly declares:

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

It’s a scripture that doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the reality of suffering. Yet, it simultaneously lifts our eyes to the future – a future filled with glory that far surpasses our current anguish.

While mourning, when the pain feels unbearable, this scripture offers a perspective shift. It reassures us that our present hardships are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us.

So, as you journey through grief, let this scripture anchor you.

Let it remind you that your pain, however intense and overwhelming, is not the final word.

Yes, there is an incomparable glory on the horizon!

7. Psalm 147:3: God as the healer of the brokenhearted

Have you ever imagined a doctor who can mend not just physical wounds but also broken hearts?

Now, let’s look at Psalm 147:3:

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

Through this scripture, we are introduced to God as the divine healer, one who mends not just physical ailments but also emotional wounds.

In times of mourning, when our hearts are shattered into pieces, this scripture promises us that God is there to put the pieces back together.

I recall a time when I was going through a phase of intense grief. It was this scripture that became my source of solace.

This one simple, but important scripture reminded me that God was not just witnessing my pain but actively involved in healing my wounded heart.

So, guess what?

As you face the hardest days of mourning, let this scripture bring you comfort.

Never forget that God is your healer, your restorer. He is capable of mending your broken heart and binding up your wounds.

Final thoughts

The scriptures we’ve explored serve as spiritual anchors during the tumultuous seas of mourning.

They remind us of God’s ever-present comfort, His healing touch for our broken hearts, and His promise of a glorious future that outweighs present suffering.

These truths can profoundly shape our mourning journey.

They can shift our perspective from despair to hope, from isolation to divine companionship, and from temporary pain to eternal glory.

That’s why we should all try to include these scriptures in our daily devotions — they can bring a sense of peace and solace.

In your darkest hours, let these scriptures guide you.

May they be a source of comfort and strength, lighting up your path through the hardest days of mourning.