Trusting God in grief and loss has been the reality of my life this past year. My mother passed away, I went through breast cancer surgery, and one of my students died unexpectedly. At the same time, both of my children graduated from college—milestones to celebrate yet still transitions that left my heart tender. Then, one of my kids got married and moved to the opposite side of the world. As if all of this wasn’t enough, when I returned to school this year, I received an unexpected announcement: the district proposed to close my school, and I would be transferred from a place I dearly love.

In the middle of this whirlwind, I clung to Psalm 112:7:

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (NIV)

That verse became an anchor for me. Still, I found myself asking—why is trusting God in grief and loss so difficult?

Why Is Trusting God in Grief and Loss So Difficult?

When our world falls apart, trusting God doesn’t come naturally. Here are three reasons why it feels so hard:

1. We Feel Alone

Grief has a way of isolating us. Even surrounded by people, it can feel like no one truly understands the depth of our pain. In those moments, it’s tempting to believe God has abandoned us too. But the truth is, He has not. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)

2. Our Security Is Shaken

Loss strips away the things that once felt stable—family, health, routines, and sometimes even our calling or community. Suddenly, the ground feels shaky beneath us. Yet God is described as our rock and fortress:

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2, NIV)

Even when life shifts beneath us, His foundation never moves.

3. Fear Takes Hold

Fear is grief’s close companion. We wonder what else we might lose, or how we’ll survive the pain. Fear whispers that we won’t be able to make it through. But Jesus directly addresses this in John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)

Trusting God in grief and loss is difficult because of loneliness, shaken security, and fear. But it is possible because God’s promises are greater than our pain.

Encouragement for Trusting God in Grief and Loss

God never promises us a life without suffering, but He does promise His presence in the midst of it. Here are three truths to hold onto:

God Promises to Never Leave Us

Even in the valley of grief, God is near. Psalm 34:18 says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)

You are not walking this road alone.

God Is Our Rock in the Storms

Grief feels like a storm that tosses us around without warning. Yet God anchors us. Isaiah 26:4 tells us:

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (NIV)

God Calls Us Not to Fear, but to Trust

Fear may come, but God gently invites us to lean on Him instead of being consumed by it. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

Trusting God in Grief and Loss Through Prayer

Trusting God in grief isn’t about pretending everything is okay. True prayer in seasons of loss is often a lament. A lament is not polished or pretty—it is raw, honest, and full of emotion. It says, “God, I don’t understand. I am hurting. But I’m coming to You.”

David modeled this throughout the Psalms. He cried out in anguish, voiced his questions, and even poured out his soul before God. Yet, his laments usually ended with a declaration of trust. For example, in Psalm 13:1-2, David begins with:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (NIV)

But by the end, he declares:

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5, NIV)

Lamenting is not complaining and not blaming God. It is not a lack of faith. Instead, it is a faithful expression of grief that keeps bringing the pain to God’s presence. It is essentially being honest with God.

I encourage you to pour out your soul to God today in prayer. Don’t hold back your emotions—bring Him your questions, your tears, and even your frustrations. God is not afraid of your honesty. But as you pray, don’t stop there. End your prayer with a declaration of trust in Him, even if your heart still feels heavy. Choosing to say, “Lord, I trust You,” shifts your focus from your pain to His promises, and it reminds your soul that He is faithful even in seasons of grief and loss.

Bible Verses About Trusting God in Grief and Loss

Here are a few verses to turn to when your heart feels heavy with sorrow:

Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (NIV)
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (NIV)
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (NIV)

Final Encouragement

Trusting God in grief and loss doesn’t mean the pain disappears. It means we lean on the One who holds us when everything else falls apart. Grief may make us feel alone, insecure, and afraid, but God promises His presence, His strength, and His peace.

If you are walking through grief today, may your heart echo the words of Psalm 112:7: