S3 E5 Resting in Grief: The Importance of Self-Care and Finding Comfort in Scripture
St. Elizabeth of Hungary once said after hearing the news of her husband’s death. “The world is dead to me, and all that was pleasant in it,” (The Saints on Healing Through Grief). Grief can bring about intense physical changes as well as emotional. It’s not uncommon to feel for the first year to find physical symptoms that might hinder the body's need for rest. It’s not uncommon to feel for the first year any of the following symptoms .According to the National institute of Health, grief can have many physical effects, including fatigue, sleep issues, loss of appetite, headaches, shortness of breath, chest pressure, lack of concentration, and vivid dreams. It can also increase the risk of certain physical health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. It’s no wonder that a person can feel less like themselves. Trying to get a hold of oneself is a process. Yet God is the constant reminder that we need to take care of ourselves in grief.
In this week’s episode, Andrea and Jennifer discuss the importance of self care and finding rest in grief. They discuss multiple scriptures that support how God encourages rest, and that we are meant to heal in our moments of loss.
Scripture verses mentioned in the episode
Genesis 2:1-3
Psalm 55
Exodus 35:10
Psalm 46:10
1 Peter
Psalm 23
Psalm 48:8
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Kings 19:5-18
Nehemiah 8:10
I will go with you and give you rest (Exodus 33:12-14)- God sets before the Israelites they’re heavy burdens when they flee Egypt.
My soul finds rest in God (Psalm 62:1-2)
He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2)
You will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16)
Links from the show
Mourning Glory Podcast Season 1, Episode 16: And They All Fall Down (episode about compound grief)
Journaling Questions
St. Elizabeth of Hungary once said after hearing the news of her husband’s death. “The world is dead to me, and all that was pleasant in it.” As one can see, even the saints can experience intense feelings of Grief. Grief can bring about intense physical changes as well as emotional. “ What intense symptoms have you experienced in grief?
Andrea and Jennifer mention several references to scripture that support resting. What is a favorite scripture that you find rest in?
While it is certainly helpful, not everyone has the ability to rest during grief. How can you integrate more ways to rest in grief?
What are things that might be holding you back from rest? What small changes can you make to help you find rest?
God reminds us that we are created for rest. The Sabbath is a holy day of rest, and Jesus himself often rested and withdrew from the crowds. How does God inspire you to find rest in him?
How can laughing be a form of rest?
What is your mourning glory?
Prayer for the souls of those who have come before us: Robert and Debbie Kapina (Andrea’s parents), John and Diana Halcombe (Jennifer’s parents), Yvonne Preston and Jon Lofranco
