Help for the Journey: Week 2

Day 1
How long will the pain last?

In the Bible

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:2

1. What questions for God do you have about your grief?

2. How do you feel about being this open and honest in your complaints to God?

In your life

1. What concerns do you have about the length of time you will be grieving?

2. Describe how long you have actually been in the grieving process? (Note: If you’ve been stuffing down or otherwise avoiding your grief, you may not have started the grieving process yet.)

At a GriefShare group, you have the opportunity to share your feelings and concerns in a safe place and to learn more about the grieving process.

Day 2
Jesus understands suffering

In the Bible

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3

1. According to the Bible verse above, what did Jesus face during his life on earth?

2. Which of the above experiences have you faced since the death of your loved one?

In your life

1. How is it comforting to know that Jesus was a “man of sorrows”?

2. How often do you tell Jesus about your sorrows?

3. Write a short prayer telling God the difficulties you are facing today.

Day 3
A place of rest

In the Bible

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28–30

1. Whom does Jesus invite to come to Him?

2. What can you expect to receive from Him (if you go to Him)?

In your life

1. Why do you need the rest and peace that He offers?

2. What holds you back from going to the Lord to receive help?

Day 4
Expressing your grief

In the Bible

[After King Saul, his son, and Israel’s army were defeated:] Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 2 Samuel 1:11–12

1. What forms of mourning did David and his men engage in?

2. How does our culture grieve different from the way they did in ancient Israel?

In your life

1. Are others involved with you in your grieving? Why or why not?

2. How do you express your grief?

Day 5
Getting a handle on anger

In the Bible

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

1. What limit is there to your anger?

2. How has your anger led you to sin?

In your life

1. What are examples of healthy ways you can release your anger?

2. If you have hurt someone as a result of your anger, name anyone you may need to apologize to. Ask God to help you.