10 Biblical Promises of Hope for Those Who Grieve

Welby O'Brien

The following is a collection of verses that have been especially meaningful to me. I am learning that comfort is not the removal of pain, but it is knowing hat everything is going to be all right. I hope you find the same comfort and encouragement in God’s promises.

1. His Presence Our Comfort

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24)

2. Comfort for Those Who Grieve

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

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

3. Hope for Healing

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;” (Job 19:25-26)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

4. A Safe Place of Refuge

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)

5. Strength in Times of Weakness

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:13-14)

6. He Listens and Cares

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” (Job 5:8-9)

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

7. Rest for the Weary

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14)

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

8. Peace in the Midst of Turmoil

The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Isaiah 26:3)

“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.” (John 14:27)

“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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

9. Guidance for the Path Ahead

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

10. Our Eternal Home

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;” (Philippians 1:23)

This is an adapted excerpt from Goodbye for Now: Practical Help and Personal Hope for Those Who Grieve. Used with permission. 

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Welby O'Brien holds a master's degree in counseling from Portland State University and a teaching degree from Biola University. She has also authored Formerly a Wife and Love Our Vets: Restoring Hope for Families of Veterans with PTSD, and is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well as Shepherding Women in Pain.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock/fizkes
 Verse Images Design Credit: Rachel Dawson

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