Grief

Pastoral Messages

In this message, Pastor Jeff Lucas turns our attention to one of the great heroes of the Old Testament – Elijah. We see in this story that sometimes in life, the journey may feel like too much. Elijah had just experienced the tremendous power of God displayed to his enemies, yet as circumstances shifted he became overwhelmed by depression. There is much that we can learn from this relevant message by clicking here.

From our Windsor campus, Pastor Dick Foth examines the encounter Elijah had with overwhelming depression. We find that even when the journey is too much, it is not too much for the Spirit that resides within us. Pastor Foth highlights the fact that God meets us where we are — no matter where we are. To view this message, simply click here.

Pastor Dary Northrop addresses the deep struggles of Judas in his message Mirror Mirror: Silver to Silver. This subject can be tender, as many have experienced emotions leading to suicidal thoughts, or perhaps have been directly impacted by suicide. In the midst of Judas’ story, we cling to the hope we have in the gospel. Whatever we face tomorrow, we are not alone and our hope is firm in Christ. His mercies are new every morning! You can view this message by clicking here.

In his message, The God Who Invites You to Wrestle, Pastor Brent Cunningham explores Psalm 13, a prayer of lament. We learn that in disorienting seasons of life, God not only gives us permission, but compulsion to bring our anger, pain, and sadness to Him, and wrestle with Him honestly. We’ll see how we can maintain faith amidst feelings of abandonment and doubt. You can view this relevant message by clicking here.

In his powerful and relevant message and book, Faith in the Fog, Pastor Jeff Lucas explores the concept of exercising faith amidst trial and even perceived silence from God. Depression is not a foreign concept in scripture, and our God is an expert in meeting people in their moments of fog. You can listen to Jeff discussing the concept of Faith in the Fog in an interview by clicking here.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Matthew 5:4

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Crisis & Counseling

GriefShare

GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. GriefShare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. Timberline Church hosts GriefShare classes periodically throughout the year. griefshare.org

Articles

The God Who Weeps

Although He may work in ways we don’t expect, and seem at times to be distant and quiet, we are never abandoned. We will never, ever be alone. Read The God Who Weeps by Pastor Felix Arellano.

Hope

Read an touching story of how faith is displayed through the life of a little girl named Hope. Read Hope by Pastor Jeff Lucas.

Podcasts

Surprised by Grief, a 10-Episode Series by Christianity Today

This podcast series features stories of loss and heartache, exploring the various ways of experiencing God’s kindness and care through ordinary means of grace. No one can fully prepare for grief, but we can open our hearts to the experiences that come with it, and in our openness find comfort in the presence of God. Explore this 10-episode series, by clicking here.

Books

Every Moment Holy, Vol. II: Death, Grief, and Hope, by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Every Moment Holy, Volume II: Death, Grief, and Hope is a book of liturgies for seasons of dying and grieving -- liturgies such as "A Liturgy for the Scattering of Ashes" or "A Liturgy for the Loss of a Spouse" or "A Liturgy for the Wake of a National Tragedy." These are ways of reminding us that our lives are shot through with sacred purpose and eternal hopes even when, especially when, suffering and pain threaten to overwhelm us. The book is accessible on Amazon in print, digital, or audio formats by clicking here.

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, by Timothy Keller

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering is the definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them. The question of why there is pain and suffering in the world has confounded every generation, yet there has not been a major book from a Christian perspective exploring why they exist for many years. The book is accessible on Amazon in print, digital, or audio formats by clicking here.

A Grace Disguised Revised and Expanded: How the Soul Grows Through Loss, by Jerry L. Sittser

With vulnerability and honesty, Jerry Sittser walks through his own grief and loss to show that new life is possible - one marked by spiritual depth, joy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of simple and ordinary gifts. This 25th-anniversary edition features a new introduction and two additional chapters, one of which provides help for pastors and counselors. The book is accessible on Amazon in print, digital, or audio formats by clicking here.

What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts), by Nancy Guthrie

Practical and down-to-earth, this short guide will equip you to come alongside a loved one who is hurting and offer comfort in ways that really help. The book is accessible on Amazon in print, digital, or audio formats by clicking here.

A Grace Disguised: How The Soul Grows Through Loss, by Jerry L. Sittser

With vulnerability and honesty, Jerry Sittser walks through his own grief and loss to show that new life is possible--one marked by spiritual depth, joy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of simple and ordinary gifts. The book is accessible on Amazon in print, digital, or audio formats by clicking here.

Music

"You Know," a song by Contemporary Christian music artist Bethany Barnard, calls on the name of the Lord throughout the song, acknowledging that He knows how to make us free and walks with us along the journey. Listen to the song and watch the full video here on YouTube.

Another song by Bethany Barnard, "You Restore My Soul," acknowledges the restoration, renewing, and rebuilding that the Lord does in our hearts in hard times. Listen to the song and watch the full video here on YouTube.