Help for the Journey: Week 3

Day 1
Do not lose heart

In the Bible

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18

1. According to this Bible verse, what is the difference between the seen and unseen world?

2. What does it mean that the unseen world is eternal?

In your life

1. What practical things can you do to change your focus from the negatives of the here-and-now to the positives of eternity?

2. What does it mean to be renewed inwardly day by day?

GriefShare groups provide a support system of people who understand that you cannot just “get back to normal” or “move on with your life.” At GriefShare, you will find hope and strength to continue forward day by day and to face the future.

Day 2
Jesus understands suffering

In the Bible

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15

1. What are the effects of bitterness?

2. How does bitterness appear during grief?

In your life

1. How have you dealt with any bitterness you may be feeling?

2. How have you seen others becoming bitter? How did this affect you?

Day 3
Held in His love

In the Bible

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35–39

1. How powerful is the love of God? Is there anything that can separate you from His love?

2. How can God’s love change you?

In your life

1. What are the greatest problems in your life?

2. How is God’s love greater than these problems?

3. Do you feel separated from God now? Take some time to examine your relationship with Him, and write your thoughts here.

Day 4
The Lord is my shepherd

In the Bible

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:1–4

1. What do the words of this Psalm mean to you?

2. What is the valley of the shadow of death?

3. What are the promises to you in this Scripture (Bible verse)?

In your life

1. How has the Lord led you?

2. How are you like a sheep in His pasture?

Day 5
You can trust God’s faithfulness

In the Bible

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22–24

1. What is new every morning?

2. How can you let the “why” questions be answered in God’s time?

In your life

1. How has God been faithful to you?

2. What feelings from the past do you need to let go?

3. Which of the “why” questions do you need to let go?