I lost my spouse six months ago, and people keep telling me I should be “moving on” by now. Is there a timeline for grief that I’m supposed to follow?

There is no prescribed timeline for grief, and God’s Word never hurries those who mourn. Scripture shows us that grief is a natural response to loss—even Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb despite knowing He would raise him from the dead. Your spouse was a gift from God, and the depth of your grief reflects the depth of that love and companionship. While we grieve with hope in the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14), this hope doesn’t eliminate the pain of separation in this life. Give yourself grace to grieve at your own pace, and surround yourself with patient, compassionate brothers and sisters in Christ who will walk alongside you.

Since my adult child died, I find myself angry with God and struggling to pray. Does this mean I’m losing my faith, and how can I work through these feelings?

Your honest struggle with God does not mean you’re losing your faith—in fact, bringing your anger to God in prayer shows you still trust Him enough to be real with Him. The Psalms are filled with laments where God’s people cry out in anguish, asking “Why?” and “How long?” (Psalm 13, 22, 88). God is big enough to handle your anger and questions, and He doesn’t abandon you in your darkest valleys. Your faith isn’t measured by the absence of difficult emotions but by God’s faithfulness to you in Christ, which never wavers even when your feelings do. Consider speaking with your pastor, who can offer pastoral care and point you to the comfort of God’s promises, and don’t hesitate to simply pray “Lord, help my unbelief” when words fail.

My longtime friend passed away, but I don’t feel like I have the “right” to grieve as deeply as family members do. How do I honor this friendship loss?

Your grief is legitimate and God-given, regardless of biological relationship. Scripture honors deep friendships like David and Jonathan’s, describing their bond as surpassing even family ties. God created us for community and companionship, and longtime friendships are precious gifts that leave real voids when broken by death. Your sorrow honors both your friend’s memory and the blessing that friendship was in your life. Grieve openly, share memories, attend the funeral if possible, and don’t minimize your loss—the body of Christ grieves alongside all who mourn, recognizing that love takes many forms. Consider writing down favorite memories or praying prayers of thanksgiving for the years you shared together.

A note from the Editor ...

In our letters to the editor section, we would like to answer any and all questions that you have about Scripture, aging well, and our ministry. Please send your questions to editor@worshipanew.org. Please know that we will try to answer as many questions as we can. Thank you and enjoy!