12 Scriptures for Your Season of Grief

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

These beautiful words, penned by David, paint a comforting picture of our Good Shepherd leading us to safe pasture. The New Living Translation says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name.” (Vs. 1-3)

Let Psalm 23 renew your strength as you follow the Good Shepherd through your season of grief.

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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 

Do you feel brokenhearted and crushed in spirit? Lean on Jesus, the One who is closer than a brother, and more faithful than a friend. Feel His closeness as He pieces your heart back together. He is mighty to save!

Trust Psalm 34:18 as you abide in Jesus and He abides in you.

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“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

In seasons of grief, it can feel like we are failing - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s why it’s important to stand in our victory in Jesus. He is our portion and our prize, our very great reward.

Speak Psalm 73:26 aloud today and feel the strength of God’s presence in your grief.

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 

Grief and fear often go hand in hand because grief makes us vulnerable to worry and doubt. However, God spoke to Isaiah, saying, “Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” You can trust the Lord, even in seasons of grief, and refuse to let fear take hold.

Remember Isaiah 41:10 and know that God upholds you with His righteous right hand.

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“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

When waves of grief come, whisper, “beauty instead of ashes, oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Let the promises of Isaiah 61:1-3 assure you of God’s faithfulness, even in dark times.

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:3-4

Receive God’s blessings by recalling Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter five. As you read through each Beatitudes, pause to reflect on the promises. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Recall Matthew 5:3-4 to receive blessing and peace. God’s comfort is on the way!

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“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

Grief has a way of clouding our vision and diminishing God’s voice, but we can cry out to the Good Shepherd at any time and know He is with us.

As you recite John 10:27-29, imagine yourself walking safely through the pasture with Jesus. His love and protection surround you as His gentle words comfort you in your grief.

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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

Grief doesn’t ask permission; it comes without warning. As we process and acknowledge our emotions openly, we can trust God to help us heal and move forward. It might not be according to your timeline, or the timeline of others, but that’s ok.

Memorize John 14:1 as a verse of comfort through your season of grief.

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“I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Is it possible to have peace in your season of grief? Only in Jesus do we find the peace that passes all understanding. This world is full of pain and sorrow, but fleeting and temporary.

As you read John 16:33, rest your heart on the words, “I have overcome the world,” and trust Jesus to give you the peace only He can provide.

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“And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:15-17

One of the most comforting images of God in the Bible portrays Him as our Abba Father. We are invited to come to Him as often as needed to find grace in times of need.

Meditate on Romans 8:15-17, and know you are a beloved child of God.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will repeat it: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:4-8

During seasons of grief, our minds tend to wander into dark places. However, the Scriptures shine truth over our situation, leading us to peace that transcends all understanding.

Remember the words of Philippians 4:4-8, and trust God to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who, through faith, are shielded by God’s power until the coming of salvation, which is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” 1 Peter 1:3-6

Is it possible to praise God in our season of grief? Yes! Not only is it possible, but it’s also healing. Let 1 Peter 1:3 6 lead you into worship, as you greatly rejoice in the inheritance kept for you in heaven. God’s power shields you until the day Jesus returns. Praise be to our God and Father, in Jesus’ name!

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