What God Says When Your Heart Is Broken: 3 Scriptures for Real Grief
When you’re grieving, it can feel like the world has shifted beneath your feet. The life you knew is gone, and even the simplest things can feel uncertain. In those moments, God’s Word can be an anchor—a place to bring your sorrow, confusion, and questions.
The Bible doesn’t ignore grief. It speaks to it honestly and directly, showing how God meets us in the hardest places. These three Scriptures reveal how deeply He understands your pain and how faithfully He walks with you through it.
1. John 20:11 — Mary Magdalene’s Grief at the Tomb
“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.” — John 20:11, ESV
Mary Magdalene’s story captures the shock and disorientation that follow loss. After Jesus’ death, the disciples went home—but Mary stayed, frozen in her grief, unsure of what to do next. Her tears held more than sadness; they carried confusion, longing, and disbelief.
You may feel that same stillness—unsure how to move forward or what life looks like now. Mary’s story reminds us that being “stuck” in grief doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you loved deeply. And even in that stillness, Jesus met her.
He met her in her weeping, not after it. He called her by name and opened her eyes to hope again. God does the same for you. He isn’t waiting for you to “move on.” He’s near to you in the middle of your tears.
2. Psalm 37:23–24 — God’s Steady Hand in Unsteady Seasons
“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, NIV
Grief doesn’t follow a straight path. Some days you may feel like you’re doing a little better, and the next, you’re right back in the pain again. You might wonder, “Am I failing at this? Why do I keep falling apart?”
Psalm 37 reminds us that stumbling isn’t failure. It’s part of the journey. God doesn’t let you fall beyond His reach. Even when you feel unsteady, His hand holds you fast.
Maybe your “steps” right now are small—getting out of bed, going to work, or attending a grief group. Those small steps matter. God sees them. He is with you in every one of them, steadying you when you can’t stand on your own.
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 — Accepting the Season You’re In
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, NIV
Grief is a season you didn’t choose—but it is the one you’re in. This verse reminds us that mourning isn’t a mistake or a sign of weakness. It’s part of life in a broken world, and it has its rightful place under heaven.
Accepting this truth can bring peace. You don’t have to rush your healing or compare your journey to anyone else’s. Grief may feel endless, but it’s still under God’s care. Just as there are seasons of laughter and joy, there are seasons of tears—and both are sacred.
God hasn’t forgotten you in this one. He’s walking with you through it, one step at a time.
Finding Comfort in God's Word
These three Scriptures show that grief is complex, unpredictable, and deeply human. They also reveal that God is not distant from your pain. He sees every tear, holds you steady, and gives you permission to grieve honestly in His presence.
If you’ve ever opened your Bible and thought, “I don’t even know where to turn,” you’re not alone. That’s why we created What God Says About Your Grief: Comfort from Scripture After Your Loss—a resource designed to help you discover how the Bible speaks to the very places you’re hurting most.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Short, easy-to-read sections that connect specific life experiences with God’s Word
- Scripture passages that speak honestly to emotions like anger, guilt, numbness, and loneliness
- Guidance on biblical lament—how to bring your pain to God in a way that is both real and hopeful
- Examples of people in Scripture who grieved and found comfort in God
This book isn’t meant to be read straight through. It’s a companion you can return to whenever the pain feels sharp or your faith feels fragile. Each page reminds you that God’s Word doesn’t stand apart from your sorrow—it meets you in it.
You're Not Alone
Grief is hard. And while it may feel like you’re walking through it alone, you’re not. God is near. His Word still speaks.
Let What God Says About Your Grief: Comfort from Scripture After Your Loss help you hear His voice again—gently, honestly, and full of hope.
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Digital version available now. Print edition launching soon!

