In times of sadness, it’s important to turn to God and find comfort in His Word. Here are some attitudes to adopt:

• Pray: ask God to help us through this trial and to give us the strength and comfort we need. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
• Read the Bible: look for verses that bring us comfort and hope, and meditate on their meaning. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
• Turn other Christians: share our sadness with our brothers and sisters in Christ and receive their support and prayers. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20
• Remember that God is always present and will never abandon us. He is able to turn our sadness into joy and help us through every trial.  “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
• Show gratitude: despite sadness, remember God’s many blessings in our lives and give thanks. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

By adopting these attitudes, we can find comfort and hope in times of sorrow, knowing that God is with us and will sustain us in all circumstances.

You wonder when the pain will stop—the crushing weight of the world’s emptiness. You wonder when you’ll stop picking up the phone only to realize there’s no one to call. You wonder when a song or smell that reminds you of that person won’t clutch at your throat and blind your eyes without warning.

“A single person is missing from you, and the whole world is empty,” as author Joan Didion puts it.

The emptiness can feel like a life sentence. You might feel alone, like no one fully understands your pain.

Jesus understands your suffering—because he suffered too (Isaiah 53:3). After Jesus was born on the earth, he promised to conquer our great enemy—death—forever.

On the cross, Jesus destroyed death by dying for us. Jesus suffered and died for you so that you can live in union with God (1 Peter 3:18). In the Bible, Jesus says he wants to take your suffering and trade it for joy (Matthew 11:28-30). Even when the world feels empty, even when you’re overcome by grief, God can give you a peace “far beyond human understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

That doesn’t mean you won’t still long for your lost loved one. It means that God can help heal the great emptiness you feel in your heart if you tell him about your pain and ask him for peace. Take a moment right now to reflect on these verses about God’s love for you, and then try to tell him how you feel:

God sees your suffering.

You know how troubled I am;

you have kept a record of my tears.

Aren’t they listed in your book? — Psalm 56:8

You can talk to God about your pain.

Trust in God at all times, my people.

Tell him all your troubles,

for he is our refuge. — Psalm 62:8

God is with you in the depths of your anguish.

Even if I go through the deepest darkness,

I will not be afraid, Lord,

for you are with me.

Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me. — Psalm 23:4

God can bring you joy.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,

To give to those who mourn in Zion

Joy and gladness instead of grief,

A song of praise instead of sorrow.

They will be like trees

That the Lord himself has planted. —Isaiah 61:2b-3

God can give you peace.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. — John 14:27