Why Devotionals Matter in Times of Loss
The healing power of daily devotionals
Grief is often an unspoken language that only the heart understands.
When we lose someone close to us, we soon find ourselves at a loss for words. Suddenly, only our tears can express what we feel. And for those who want to console us, we know that the usual platitudes just won’t work.
All of these, however, don’t mean that we must remain forever isolated in our sorrows. And though the burden we carry is heavy, that doesn’t mean we cannot find some relief or consolation anymore.
This is where devotionals can help us. These can prove very useful in times when we need a simple routine to keep us afloat each day or when opening up our hearts to others is not always easy.
Here are some of the ways devotionals can help in times of grief:
1. They serve as silent yet comforting companions
People often say that reading a book is like talking to a friend. Through books, we get to be in the company of people who are otherwise physically distant from us.
It is similar with devotionals. These often keep us company when other people aren’t around or when we’re not yet ready to open up our deepest wounds to those closest to us.
As devotionals either contain stories of people overcoming their pain or based from real-life experiences of the author, such can help one feel less alone.
2. They provide a comfortable routine to hold onto
Grief turns everything upside down. All of sudden, we find our lives in chaos. It’s as though the normal flow of our lives are interrupted and we don’t know how to go about our days anymore.
With devotionals, we find a comfortable routine to look forward to and keep us sane each day. It doesn’t necessarily have to offer the deepest insights. But its mere presence and invitation can keep us going for one more day, giving us time and space to heal while providing structure to our daily lives.
It is as simple as mechanically turning the pages along with a brief prayer or simple intetion to keep our minds focused on something. Something we can easily accomplish when every other chore seems hard even to start.
3. They draw us to prayer
Devotionals often contain a relevant Bible verse as well as a prayer at the end of each reflection.
These are very helpful in times of sorrow.
Such prayers can utter what the grieving heart finds difficult to say, while the Bible verses remind us of God’s wisdom and enduring presence.
Starting a day with a devotional often leads to a deeper prayer and encounter with Him who alone can heal and comfort one’s broken heart.
4. They encourage one’s gradual healing
Grief is a process of healing one goes through over a period of time. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Throughout such a season of sorrow (or at least, a part of it), devotionals can accompany those who grieve, providing daily words of inspiration, hope and strength.
5. They can extend the sincerity of those who want to comfort a grieving loved one
On the other end of this are those people who may want to comfort their grieving loved ones but just don’t know what to say. Sometimes, they have an idea of some consoling words they want to impart, but they don’t know how to start or say it.
I experienced this many times. I felt awkward when meeting or talking to a grieving friend and many times, all I can offer are brief words of comfort and a warm hug. I wanted to say more, however, and I wanted to stay longer. But I didn’t want to be an additional burden. Perhaps that why I thought of writing a devotional myself.
Grief and Healing: A 30-Day Devotional (Free e-Book!)
I want to share with you this devotional I wrote about grief. This is for 30 days, and it is currently free at Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Gumroad, Barnes & Noble and other digital stores. Please let me know if you see a need for a full-year devotional for this so I can include it in my future writing plans. You can also comment if you want to see devotionals for other topics such as for those mending a broken heart, with anxiety or in need of physical healing.
Grief need not be a journey that you walk alone. For 30 days, you can read God's words in the Bible, pray and find comfort and healing. Let these daily reflections bring you encouragement, strength and hope.
Each day begins with a Bible verse, followed by a brief reflection as well as practical courses of action that you can follow. There are also additional resources and links to assist your needs.
Always remember that Jesus has already conquered the victory for us. He is with you and watches over you even as you sleep. You are not alone.
“He sent from on high, and took me: and received me out of many waters.” - Psalm 17:17, DRA
Here is a list of the devotionals I have written so far:
Where Hope Can Be Found (21-day devotional)
366 Days of Compassion: One Year Catholic Devotional
Grief and Healing: A 30-Day Devotional (Get it while it’s FREE)