Grief
Grief is a natural reaction to change and loss. We begin to understand the fragility of the life in times of deep sorrow-when loved ones die, when close friends endure pain, when accidents and atrocities befall us or those we care about. The root cause of suffering, emotional as well as physical, is the curse that came as a result of Adam and Eve's sin. In our anguish, we often try to distract ourselves with work, play, food, sleep, other people. These things are not bad, but nothing and no one can ease our pain except God. He alone enables us to confront our grief because Jesus took it all on himself when he died on the cross. He alone gives true comfort.

The Bible often refers to Middle Eastern mourning customs in which individuals would tear their clothes, wear sackcloth (similar to burlap) or cover themselves with ashes. A grieving process is normal and healthy, but remaining in a state of desolation is wrong. Christians are never without hope. God has promised never to leave us. He has joy stored up for us, even as we wait for our grief to pass.

God comforts us in our sorrow. Ultimately, Jesus took all our sorrows on himself when he died on the cross.
He turns wailing into dancing-
Psalm 10:14; 30:11-12
He sent jesus to bear our sorrows-
Isaiah 53:1-4
He comforts those who mourn-
Isaiah 61:1-3
2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 7:5-7
Blessed are those who mourn
Matthew 5:4
God will one day eliminate grief forever
Isaiah 25:6-9; 60:15-20
Revelation 21:3-4
Grief should turn us to God. He alone can give true comfort.
1 Samuel 7:1-2
Nehemiah 1:1-4
Isaiah 38:14-17
John 16:20-22
Sinful behavior causes God to grieve.
Genesis 6:5-7
1 Samuel 15:35
Isaiah 63:7-10
Ephesians 4:30