Grief Is Not Weakness

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
 
 
At some point in life, we will all experience grief. Grief occurs when we encounter a loss, whether it be the loss of a relative, friend, pet, or even a change in circumstance like moving, declining health, or losing a job. Expressing grief is important because if we choose to hold it all in, it will manifest itself in unhealthy ways like depression, addiction, compulsions, isolation, and the list goes on.  
 
As highlighted in the Old Testament, tearing one’s clothes was a sign of morning. Upon hearing about the death of Saul and his son Jonathan, David and his men tore their clothes. 2 Samuel 1:11-12 reads, “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 for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.”
 
Maybe you have not torn your clothes, but there may be other ways that you have shown grief. You might feel that because you are in a position of authority or leadership that you should not show such emotions. You might believe there are people looking at you and watching your spirituality and faith in God, and you cannot show them your vulnerability. However, your vulnerability is your strength because in those difficult times, you are building a testimony. And others will be able to see that if you could make it through, do can they.
 
Understand that when you grieve, you are not weak. When you choose to believe in God and give your life to Him, you have access to the most powerful being in all of existence. There is nothing weak about that! You will still grieve tough times, but you can do so knowing you have a God who is on your side and turns all things around for your good. When you have Him, you can grieve knowing that God will give you the strength to make it through your situation. You will smile again.