Wisdom for Those Who Grieve
Starting from where you are, do what you can. (It may not be much at first). Learn to do the practical next step in your lift. Such as getting out of bed, and making breakfast for the kids. Packer lists some encouragement for the grieving.
Do not let your grief loosen your grip on the goodness and grace of your loving Lord.
Cry (for there is nothing biblical or Christian, or indeed human, about the stiff upper lip).
Tell God your sadness.
Pray as you can, and don’t try to pray as you can’t. My guess this means don’t pretend that you're not grieving when you are praying nor ignore your limitations in your ability to pray and act as if you are in the midst of grief and pain.
Avoid well-wishers who think they can cheer you up, but thank God for any who are content to be with you and do things for you without talking at you.
Talk to yourself about the loved one you lost.
Do not try to hurry your way out of the inner weakness you feel; grieving takes time.
Look to God as thankfully, submissively; and patiently as you can (and he will understand if you have to tell him that you cannot really do this yet).
Feel, acknowledge, and face, consciously and from your heart, all the feelings that you find in yourself at present, and the day will come when you find yourself able, consciously, and from your heart, to live to God daily in thanksgiving, submission, and patient hope once again.
Packer, J.I., A Grief Sanctified, 168-69.
