January Blog 2025

Jan 1

Written By Linda Smith and Mary Beth Woll

Welcome to the New Year!

With 2025 upon us, we are considering new beginnings and fresh opportunities. When we have lost a loved one, the New Year can be a painful reminder of what—or who—is missing. As Christians, however, we can move forward, even through grief, with hope, healing, and encouragement because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We’d like to walk you through some principles, scriptures, and prayers for moving forward in the New Year without leaving the memory of our loved ones behind:

1. Acknowledge the pain and trust in God’s comfort. As Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Grief and loss are a part of life. Because God is near us in times of sorrow, we can continue to move forward while inviting God into our pain.

“Dear Father God, thank You that we can tell you all about our feelings! We know that Your presence will bring us comfort and strength.”

2. Remember that this life is not all there is! “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers have eternal life and the hope of seeing our loved ones again in Heaven.

“Thank You, dear Father, that we have the assurance of eternal life with You and our loved ones who have died in Christ.”

3. Embrace the Body of Christ. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is best done in a community of Believers. Don’t’ go it alone, as we were not created to be isolated, but connected in Christ! We need each other for comfort, encouragement, and practical help.

“Dear Lord, Thank You that I am part of Your Body, so I can share my grief with trusted friends, pastors, or a small group. Thank you that I don’t walk this journey alone!”

4. Take hope in the fact that God makes all things new. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18–19) God is able to bring beauty from ashes. Though the grief process may seem long, God will renew us and help us grow. Even when we can’t see that He is working in us, as we yield ourselves to Him, God will do a new thing!

“Dear Father God, help us to see the new things that you are doing. Help us to take even small steps that will lead us along Your path for us in the New Year.”

5. Treasure God’s promises—like this one! “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). God promises that He will give us strength for every day. He will provide all we need, including enough energy to move forward in faith with Him.

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your many and precious promises! Help us to always remember and meditate on Your goodness and faithfulness in the past, knowing that You will be the same in the future!”

6. Reach out to others. Jesus assures us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). When we serve and honor others in a loved one’s memory, we find and share comfort. Getting our eyes off of ourselves and onto others relieves our pain and brings joy.

“Thank You, Lord, that we have “happy memories of the godly” (Pr. 10:7). May those memories inspire us to serve, comfort, and empathize with others.”

7. Trust God’s Timing. Remember that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Grief hurts more than you thought it would and lasts longer than you expected it to. But we can trust that God’s timing is perfect. He has not forgotten us in this season of life. Give your grief a grace pace.

“Dear Lord, help us to trust You for the “grace pace” of grief. Help us to be patient with ourselves and others as we move forward in Your healing process.”

Conclusion:
Moving forward in grief doesn’t mean leaving the memory of a loved one behind; it means choosing to live in a way that honors their life and glorifies God. The New Year is an opportunity to step forward in faith, trusting God’s promises and His plans for the future. As Paul writes, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).(OpenAI, 2024)

As you take each step forward into your future with Jesus, know that He will be right there to offer you His comfort, strength, and peace.

Happy Brand New Year!

Mary Beth Woll, MA, LMHC, CTP and Linda Smith, BS

Co-Directors of The Widows Project