Understanding Grief: Finding Purpose and Peace after Loss

In the story of Job, He lost his family, his business, and his home to disaster all in one day. They’re gone. Everything is gone. The sheer finality of it overwhelms you, and the surprising calmness you feel in the face of such loss is disconcerting. This is a profound and painful loss, one that cuts to the core of your being. It is grief, much like what Job experienced in the scriptures, where he physically manifested his grief, feeling the weight of his loss.

Loss is Universal

Grief accompanies any form of loss, not just the death of a loved one, though that is the most commonly discussed. Other losses, equally profound, often go unacknowledged—the loss of a childhood home, a fulfilling career, or a significant relationship with a trusted confidant. The pandemic forced many to bid farewell to loved ones and also to their homes, careers, and the familiar rhythms of life. Despite the paralyzing effects of grief, there is life beyond it, particularly when viewed through the lens of “Good Grief,” a process that facilitates healing, allowing one to move forward with newfound strength and purpose (Jette, pg. 57). This is the kind of grief that echoes Job’s story.

Grief has a Season

Grief follows a season, and it is not inherently negative. At times, God allows loss and grief to be catalysts for growth and prosperity. Consider Job’s immense grief as he faced multiple losses; he tore his robe, shaved his head, and worshiped on the ground. His grieving period lasted more than seven days and perhaps a few months, providing him with the necessary time to confront his emotions, heal from the loss, and find strength in understanding the “why now” to move forward.

“Why Now?” Lord

“Why them or this, Lord?” is a question many ask in the face of loss. When my first child passed away at the age of six months, I didn’t question why she died; instead, I sought to understand why this loss occurred in my life at that specific moment. It was challenging to accept the departure of such a sweet soul so soon after arrival. I turned to prayer, fasting, meditation, and self-examination to understand the purpose behind this devastating blow.

Losing my first child was an unanticipated challenge, but its occurrence at that precise moment served a purpose—it awakened and refocused me on God’s path for my life. This grieving period became a transformative experience, saving my life. Through it, I healed, grew, learned about myself, and deepened my relationship with God. Each loss, recovery, and strengthening was a vital part of a journey guided by divine timing.

Discover Divine Purpose

While the complete answers to why a loss occurred or why a loved one departed may remain elusive, God can provide insights into how the loss relates to divine timing in your life. Nothing is coincidental. Job’s suffering had a purpose; God allowed the testing to demonstrate Job’s unwavering faith. Open your spirit and humble your heart, ask God, “Why Now?” Let Him guide you in turning your loss into peace, prosperity, and purpose. Start this process by understanding how grief affects you holistically and building a self-care regime to help you discover, heal, and understand self.

Source: Jette, Christine. Tarot for the Healing Heart. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2001.