Finding Joy in Grief
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
— Galatians 5:22-23
Grief is a heavy weight and such a difficult place to be.
How then, can we have joy in that place?
The reason we can have joy is because it is already there, as the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:22. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit living in us. Not to say that grief is so easily lifted. But when we delve into our heart’s space, where our Comforter is, we can be filled to overflowing with comfort, peace, and, yes, joy.
Knowing we already have joy in our heart, how do we delve into that space when our hearts feel crushed and the weight of the grief is so heavy?
Our Lord tells us that “He is the lifter of our heads” (Psalm 3:3). “He is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalms 34:18). And “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
These are just a few of the promises God gives us about grief.
Let’s look at praise.
We know that God honors our praise. He inhabits our praise.
As hard as it can be in that moment of grief, when we begin to praise, the Holy Spirit fills that space, overflowing with His love, comfort, uplifting warmth, and the joy of His presence.
Our God is not limited in what He will do. That moment is just us (you) and Him. No interference. Sitting on Jesus’ lap being comforted.
Then there’s joy and peace inexpressible.
And Jesus promised us hope.
Our Savior is our Hope. Death is not the end for those of us who belong to Jesus. He told us, “I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).
Because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we have been given eternity. We will not die. And because we all go to be with Him, we will see our loved ones who have gone before us.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul writes, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
Will we still be sad and grieve at times? Of course.
But we have Hope.
It may be night for a time, but we know that joy comes in the morning.