Turn to God for help in dealing with grief

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

- Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

When someone loses a loved one we can empathize with their sense of loss, emotional heartache and pain.

But when someone loses a job, their home, a friendship, their health, we can tend to be a little less understanding of their grief. We might say, "You'll get over it." Or we start wondering what caused it to happen instead of extending some kindness and understanding.

Grief affects us over any loss we go through.

I remember one of my first experiences with grief was in the fourth grade, when my best friend moved. I was saddened by her absence. I didn't understand I was grieving.

Right now, I have some friends who have lost jobs due to corporate changes. When something like that happens to you, your initial response is shock and devastation.

During the Great Depression, when the stock market crashed, many people lost their investments. They were so grief stricken some killed themselves.

Initially, grief can make you feel like you can't go on. You want to die. We must be careful where we allow our feelings to lead us.

The hardest part about overcoming grief is it causes a lack of motivation. However, you can't afford the luxury of doing nothing. You have a family to tend to and bills to pay. Kind of strange, isn't it? When you lack motivation, you have to be more motivated.

There's no easy answer or solution. But I know God wants us to keep on going. When you're feeling this way, pray. The Bible tells us God is close to us when we are brokenhearted.

Get some extra rest when you can. Listen to music that soothes your emotions. Read or watch encouraging stories. Find some type of support through a group, personal friend or counsel. And be patient with the process and discover new dreams.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is hosting a "Writing for Fun or Profit" mini-conference Saturday, Feb. 9, from noon to 3 p.m. Register to reserve your spot. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. She is available to speak to your group or be a personal life coach.