10 Verses to Hold Onto In Seasons of Grief and Loss

Grief touches all of us. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a life stage, or a dream—grief slows us down and reminds us how fragile life can be. But Scripture gently reminds us: we are not alone. God sees. God weeps. God walks with us through every valley.

The Bible does not ask us to skip over sorrow. It honors our tears, welcomes our questions, and offers hope that endures. Here are 10 Bible verses to help you cling to God’s presence and promises in your season of grief:

“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?”
—Psalm 56:8 (NIV)
Every tear you cry is noticed by God. Nothing is wasted. He holds your grief with care and compassion.

“Jesus wept.”
—John 11:35 (NIV)
Even knowing resurrection was coming, Jesus entered into the pain of the moment. Your sorrow matters to Him.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
You may feel alone, but you are not abandoned. God moves toward those who are hurting.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV)
Grief is not weakness. It's part of the rhythm of life—a time God has made room for in His design.

“‘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 (NIV)
This is not the end of the story. God promises a day when sorrow will be no more.

“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…”
—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
God is not only present—He is the source of all comfort. He meets us in our deepest sorrow and strengthens us to carry on.

“Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
—Psalm 139:12 (NIV)
There is no place your grief can take you where God cannot find you. His light reaches even the most shadowed places.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
—Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
Jesus pronounces blessing—not shame—on those who grieve. His comfort is not theoretical; it is personal, promised, and real.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
—Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
Grief is exhausting. God doesn’t demand strength from you—He gives it. He meets you right where you are.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 8:38–39 (NIV)
Even in death, even in heartache, even in questions—God’s love holds firm. You are not beyond His reach.

A Final Word
If you are grieving right now, take heart: you do not have to rush to be okay. These verses are not quick fixes, but anchors. Let them speak to your soul. Let them hold you steady. God is with you in the valley, and He will walk with you all the way through.
You are deeply loved. Even here. Even now.