Ted Witzig Jr. in Grief and Loss
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Five Keys to Working Through Loss

Loss is part of life in a fallen world. It comes in many forms—death of a loved one, broken relationships, health challenges, job changes, or even the loss of dreams. Grief is the natural response to loss, and while, often, we move through grief in a relatively healthy way, sometimes we get stuck and need extra help. As believers, we are not immune to sorrow, but we have a hope in Christ that shapes how we grieve. Here are five keys to working through loss in a way that nurtures healing and rests in God.

1. Acknowledge the Reality of Loss

 Healing begins with honesty. Pretending that “everything is fine” or minimizing pain only delays the process. Jesus himself acknowledged sorrow—He wept at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:35). Loss changes life and naming that reality is not weakness; it’s truth. 

 Practical step: Give yourself permission to say, “This hurts.” Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or praying honestly before God can help you face what has changed. 

 Resource: Grief and Emotions 

2. Allow Time and Grace 

Grief is not a straight line. It comes in waves, and healing takes time. You will likely experience various phases of grief. Be patient with yourself and others. Avoid comparing your journey to someone else’s—each loss is unique. God’s grace meets us in the slow work of restoration. 

Practical step: Set realistic expectations. Instead of asking, “Why am I not over this?” ask, “What small step can I take today toward hope?”  

Resource: Phases of Grief

3. Lean into Community

Loss often tempts us to withdraw, but isolation deepens pain. God designed the Body of Christ to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Allow others to walk with you. Sometimes that means receiving help; other times, it means simply letting someone sit with you in silence. As time progresses, sometimes people find that it is helpful to meet with others who have been walking a journey of grief. Learning together and knowing we are not alone can be very helpful.   

Practical step: Share your story with a trusted family member, friend, or other support person.  If words are hard, invite someone to pray with you or just be present. 

Resources: Grief Support Groups or Lessons on Grief Course

4. Lament before God

Lament is more than sadness; it is sorrow expressed in faith. The Psalms are full of laments that cry out, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1). Lament holds two truths together: This is hard and God is still good. When we bring our grief to God, we invite his comfort and presence into our pain. 

Practical step: Read a lament in the Psalms (such as Psalm 42 or 77) and make its words your own. Speak your questions and hurts to God—he can handle them. 

Resources: Lament: Bringing our Emotional Pain to God Podcast Episode

5. Healthy versus Prolonged Grief

Most people gradually adjust to loss, but some experience prolonged grief, where healing stalls and sorrow feels overwhelming for an extended period, even years. This can happen after traumatic loss, or when grief is compounded by isolation, guilt, or unresolved issues. 

Indicators of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) 

  1. The death of someone close to the person occurring at least one year prior for adults or six months prior for children and adolescents. 
  2. The person continues to experience intense yearning or a preoccupation with the deceased, with thoughts or memories of the deceased person occurring most days.  
  3. At least three of the following occur for at least one month, leading to distress or disability: 
    • Identity disruption  
    • Disbelief about the death 
    • Avoidance of reminders of the fact that the person is deceased 
    • Intense emotional pain 
    • Difficulty reintegrating into relationships and activities 
    • Inability to experience a positive mood or emotional numbness 
    • Loneliness 
    • A sense that life is meaningless 

Practical Step: If you or someone you know shows these signs, seek help. Pastoral care, counseling, and support groups can provide guidance and healing. (Brief Grief Questionnaire) 

Resources: The Center for Prolonged Grief

Closing Encouragement: Anchor your Hope in Christ 

Grief is hard, but you are not alone. God walks with you, and his people can support you. As you acknowledge loss, lean into community, lament honestly, allow time, and anchor your hope in Christ. You will find that healing, though slow, does come and in that journey, God’s comfort becomes real. 

Ultimately, our hope is not in circumstances returning to “normal” but in Christ himself. He is “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Loss reminds us that this world is broken, but it also points us to the promise of eternal life where “God shall wipe away all tears” (Revelation 21:4). 

Practical step: Meditate on Scriptures of hope: Romans 8, 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21. Let these truths shape your perspective and renew your strength. 

For Further Information

Grief and Loss Resources [ACCFS]

Life brings many changes, and some of those changes involve loss. Grief is a natural response, and finding hope and healing takes time and support. Explore our collection of grief and loss resources designed to offer comfort, encouragement, and practical guidance during difficult seasons.”
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Ted Witzig Jr.
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