By: Bishop Dr. Etta Mhoon-Walker, Ph.D., D. Div.
Saturday Devotion and Prayer. April 1, 2023
“When Grief Affects Our Friendships”
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The truth is, friends will naturally come in and out of our lives, and while some will be able to withstand and see us through the most difficult seasons in our lives, others will drift away. The death of a loved one has a way of rearranging our lives and oftentimes upsetting some of our friendships. While this can truly be disheartening, we must know when we are in a state of grief, and friends appear distant or silent, God is always drawing near. When we feel alone, disappointed, or even avoided, there are promises and Truths we need to remember and etch in our hearts.
God’s Promises to Remember:
God will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)
God will grant you peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
God will instruct you. (Psalms 32:8)
God will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
God’s Truth to Etch in Your Heart:
God is trustworthy. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God is our safe refuge. (Psalm 46:1)
God offers hope in all circumstances. (Hebrews 12:2)
God’s love for us will never fail. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Thankfully, our God is a Healer and can bring peace and restore wounds acquired in our relationships during a time of grief. Will you hand over the hurt and pain to the Father, and allow Him to cover you in His mercy and grace today?
Heavenly Father,
You are a loving Father, and I am ever so grateful for Your kindness and compassion. I come to You today with my heavy heart, in need of Your grace and tender loving care. Grief has taken on a shape that honestly concerns me and is now affecting relationships, and friendships. Some are emotionally exhausted and want to connect with friends, but many days they are striving to put one foot in front of the other. They feel like they’re disappointing family and friends with their lack of response, and they are hurting themselves with their silence and distance.
Deep down, they know friends aren’t necessarily avoiding them because they don’t care, but rather because they possibly believe you need space. They may not even recognize you are hurting or unsure of how to help.
So, Lord, I seek Your guidance, wisdom, and direction. Please help these suffering to let go of the expectations We are placing on ourselves and others, as they are only causing disappointment and mixed-up emotions. Will You please come alongside us Jose who need your guidance and help them see the blind spots they have acquired, so others can extend grace and forgiveness to the friendships that are bringing about confusion? If needed, show them where they need to create space and healthy boundaries in order to heal.
Lord, I am learning grief is a process and comes in waves. I ask You to provide a community around those suffering during their difficult time so they can be reminded of Your promises and Truth when the lies are loud. Provide safe friendships that will be present, offer love and support, and lead those suffering back to You. Help me to also be that friend in return.
Thank You for the gift of friendship and connection, as I know You designed us to do life together. Most importantly, thank You, Lord, for being my best friend and loving me through my painful grief. I am so thankful that I can come to You in my mess, hurt, and selfish nature. I hand over all my wounds, knowing I am fully accepted, known, and loved. I am forever grateful to be Your humble servant. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
The truth is, friends will naturally come in and out of our lives, and while some will be able to withstand and see us through the most difficult seasons in our lives, others will drift away. The death of a loved one has a way of rearranging our lives and oftentimes upsetting some of our friendships. While this can truly be disheartening, we must know when we are in a state of grief, and friends appear distant or silent, God is always drawing near. When we feel alone, disappointed, or even avoided, there are promises and Truths we need to remember and etch in our hearts.
God’s Promises to Remember:
God will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)
God will grant you peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
God will instruct you. (Psalms 32:8)
God will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
God’s Truth to Etch in Your Heart:
God is trustworthy. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God is our safe refuge. (Psalm 46:1)
God offers hope in all circumstances. (Hebrews 12:2)
God’s love for us will never fail. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Thankfully, our God is a Healer and can bring peace and restore wounds acquired in our relationships during a time of grief. Will you hand over the hurt and pain to the Father, and allow Him to cover you in His mercy and grace today?
Heavenly Father,
You are a loving Father, and I am ever so grateful for Your kindness and compassion. I come to You today with my heavy heart, in need of Your grace and tender loving care. Grief has taken on a shape that honestly concerns me and is now affecting relationships, and friendships. Some are emotionally exhausted and want to connect with friends, but many days they are striving to put one foot in front of the other. They feel like they’re disappointing family and friends with their lack of response, and they are hurting themselves with their silence and distance.
Deep down, they know friends aren’t necessarily avoiding them because they don’t care, but rather because they possibly believe you need space. They may not even recognize you are hurting or unsure of how to help.
So, Lord, I seek Your guidance, wisdom, and direction. Please help these suffering to let go of the expectations We are placing on ourselves and others, as they are only causing disappointment and mixed-up emotions. Will You please come alongside us Jose who need your guidance and help them see the blind spots they have acquired, so others can extend grace and forgiveness to the friendships that are bringing about confusion? If needed, show them where they need to create space and healthy boundaries in order to heal.
Lord, I am learning grief is a process and comes in waves. I ask You to provide a community around those suffering during their difficult time so they can be reminded of Your promises and Truth when the lies are loud. Provide safe friendships that will be present, offer love and support, and lead those suffering back to You. Help me to also be that friend in return.
Thank You for the gift of friendship and connection, as I know You designed us to do life together. Most importantly, thank You, Lord, for being my best friend and loving me through my painful grief. I am so thankful that I can come to You in my mess, hurt, and selfish nature. I hand over all my wounds, knowing I am fully accepted, known, and loved. I am forever grateful to be Your humble servant. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
