Faith Questions: Finding Jesus After Loss

When the world goes quiet after a loss, the silence can feel heavy. Whether you are mourning the passing of a loved one, the end of a season, or the death of a dream, grief has a way of making everything else feel distant, including God.

You might find yourself asking the hard questions: Where was Jesus when this happened? Why does it hurt this much if I’m a person of faith? How do I find my way back to a place of peace?

If you’re asking these things today, please know that you aren’t alone, and you aren’t "failing" at Christianity. In this installment of our Faith Questions series, we want to sit with you in that space of mourning and look at what the Bible actually says about finding Jesus in the middle of our deepest hurts.

The Permission to Grieve

There is a common misconception that having strong faith means you shouldn’t feel deep sorrow. We sometimes think that if we truly believe in heaven and the resurrection, we should be able to "smile through the pain."

But when we look at Jesus, we see a different story.

In the Gospel of John, we read about the death of Lazarus. Jesus was close friends with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Jesus arrived and saw the devastation of his friends, the Bible gives us the shortest and perhaps most profound verse in all of Scripture: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).

Think about that for a moment. Jesus knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew the "ending" of the story was a miracle. Yet, he still paused to cry. He felt the weight of the loss. He felt the sting of death.

By weeping, Jesus gave us permission to do the same. Grief is not a sign of weak faith; it is a sign of deep love. Jesus doesn't ask you to skip the mourning process. He asks to join you in it.

(Illustration: A peaceful garden at dawn, morning dew clinging to soft green leaves, gentle morning light breaking through the trees.)

Being Honestly "Mad" at God

When loss hits, it’s natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, numbness, and even anger. Sometimes, we feel guilty for being angry at God. We worry that if we express our frustration or our "Why?" questions, we are somehow sinning.

But God can handle your honesty. The Bible is filled with "Laments", prayers and songs where people cry out to God in total frustration. The Psalms are a perfect example. David and other writers often asked, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1).

In our journey of faith and discipleship, we learn that God isn't looking for a "polite" version of you. He wants the real you. If you are angry, tell Him. If you are confused, ask Him. He doesn't abandon you when you are struggling; He draws closer.

The Holy Spirit is often described as the "Comforter." A comforter isn't someone who tells you to stop crying; it's someone who sits on the floor with you until you’re ready to stand up.

Walking Through the Shadow

One of the most famous passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. It says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Notice that it says we walk through the valley. It doesn't say we stay there forever, and it doesn't say there’s a shortcut around it. Loss is a valley, but the promise is that you aren't walking it alone.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. In the darkest parts of the valley, where the "shadow of death" feels like it's blocking out all the light, He is right there. Sometimes His presence isn't felt in a big, miraculous way. Sometimes it’s felt in the quiet strength to get out of bed, the kindness of a friend, or a sudden moment of peace while reading God's Word.

Finding Jesus after loss often starts with simply acknowledging that He is present, even when He feels silent. Like Peter walking on the stormy water, we have to keep our eyes fixed on Him rather than the height of the waves.

(Illustration: A soft, landscape view of a path winding through a garden, soft light highlighting the texture of the stones and flowers, peaceful and calm.)

The Anchor of Our Hope

While we acknowledge the reality of the pain, as followers of Jesus, we do not grieve like those who have no hope.

In the Assemblies of God tradition, we hold onto the "Blessed Hope", the truth that Jesus rose from the grave and that death does not have the final word. This is one of our fundamental truths. Because Jesus conquered death, we know that for those who believe in Him, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).

This doesn't make the loss hurt any less today, but it gives our grief a different shape. It’s the difference between a door being slammed shut and a door being temporarily closed. We mourn the separation, but we celebrate the promise of a reunion.

When you find yourself sinking into despair, remind your heart of the Resurrection. Jesus is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Because He lives, we, and those we love who knew Him, will live also. This hope is the anchor that keeps us from drifting away in the storm of loss.

Practical Steps in the Darkness

If you are in the thick of it right now, here are a few simple ways to reconnect with Jesus when your heart is heavy:

1. Pray with Groans: Sometimes words won't come. Romans 8:26 tells us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with "groanings too deep for words." It is okay to just sit in God's presence and sigh. He understands.

2. Read the Psalms: When you can't find the words to pray, use the words of the Psalmist. Start with Psalm 23, Psalm 34, or Psalm 147:3 ("He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds").

3. Lean on Community: We weren't meant to carry these burdens alone. Whether it's through online worship or a local small group, let others pray for you when you don't have the strength to pray for yourself.

4. Listen to Worship: Music has a way of bypassing our logical brain and speaking directly to our spirit. Find songs that focus on God’s faithfulness.

(Illustration: A close-up of morning dew on a single flower petal, soft golden light, representing new mercies every morning.)

We Are Here With You

Loss is a journey that no one should have to walk by themselves. At Boundless Online Church, we want to be a place where you can find community, ask your hardest questions, and see the light of Jesus even in the shadows.

If you are struggling today, please reach out. We believe in the power of prayer and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Whether you need a listening ear or someone to stand in the gap for you, you are part of this family.

You might feel lost right now, but Jesus knows exactly where you are. He isn't waiting for you to "get over it" to meet you; He is meeting you right in the middle of it.

Keep seeking. Keep asking. Keep leaning. He is faithful, and His love is boundless.

For more resources on navigating your walk with God, check out our Bible Studies or join us for our next service at Boundless Online Church.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online.

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