Is there something more I can do to help me get over this emptiness?

on Aug 7, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The sudden death of my husband just after his retirement has caused grief deep down inside, and the days don’t get easier, but harder. I know that the remedy is to set my mind on others’ needs, and I have been able to reach out to others. Is there something more I can do to help me get over this emptiness? – U.G.

A: Grief turns us inward, but compassion turns us outward, and that’s what we need when grief threatens to crush us. Whatever its cause, grief will come to all of us. We can experience comfort by giving comfort to others in their own perilous times because of what we’ve experienced ourselves.

Grief can kill a person emotionally and physically. If not counteracted with God’s strength and power, our personal weakness may debilitate us. We can take refuge in our Savior and know for certain that we are not going through hardship alone. He may not take away trials, but He strengthens us through them. When we speak His Name in prayer and cry out for His touch of compassion, perhaps He speaks our name to someone else who has been through disappointments and sorrow, and brings kindred hearts together. The Bible says, “… that their hearts might be encouraged [comforted], being knit together in love” (Colossians 2:2, NKJV).

Life can be like traveling a treacherous road. There are potholes that jolt us, detours that get us off course, and signs warning of danger ahead. The destination of soul and spirit is of utmost importance to God, so He offers us daily guidance. Some pay close attention to God’s directions; others ignore them and speed past the flashing lights.

How do we counter grief? Worship in the truest sense takes place only when our full attention is on God – on His glory, power, majesty, love, and compassion.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)