The reality of grief

In practice, the reality of grief. The reality of grief.

Key points

• Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters.
• Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975.
• When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her additionally weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
• Although the Bible introduces us to the reality of Christ's victory over death and the grave, it doesn't call us to some kind of glossy, heartless triumphalism.
• Mississippi Department of Health updating state health plan, creating unified system for analyzing data.

In practice, the reality of grief. The reality of grief. By: Alistair Begg – October 16, 2026.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her additionally weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he remarked, "Where have you laid him?" They stated to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. – John 11: 33-35.

Grief is "a life-shaking sorrow over loss. Grief tears life to shreds; it shakes one from top to bottom. It pulls him loose; he comes apart at the seams. Grief is truly nothing less than a life-shattering loss." You may know this experience all too well. I remember its first intrusion into my life when I was a teenager and my mother died. Nothing could ever be quite as it had been before.

You do not have to live long as a believer to discover that faith does not insulate us from grief and the fear of it. Paul wrote regarding the near-death experience of his friend Epaphroditus: "Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me additionally, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow" (Philippians 2: 27). The thought of losing Epaphroditus broke Paul's heart. He understood that death was not the end, but he additionally recognized that in experiencing loss, or even in the prospect of that, there is true sorrow.

Grief is hard since something has been lost, and certain joys are now irretrievably gone. But we additionally know that grief is a reality to which Scripture plainly speaks-a reality that will one day be redeemed by a far greater joy. And we know that grief is a reality with which our Savior is personally acquainted. As Jesus stood at the grave of His friend Lazarus, He-the second Person of the Trinity-grieved with those who had gathered there. Though He was regarding to raise Lazarus from the dead, He still wept as He was sincerely sad. The mystery in this scene is that Jesus so identified with our humanity that He shed genuine tears at the loss of His beloved friend.

Although the Bible introduces us to the reality of Christ's victory over death and the grave, it doesn't call us to some kind of glossy, heartless triumphalism. As Alec Motyer writes, "tears are proper for believers-indeed they should be all the more copious, for Christians are more sensitively aware of every emotion, whether of joy or sorrow, than those who have known nothing of the softening and enlivening grace of God.", rather.

In practice, the fact that our loved ones who died in Christ are now with Him lightens but does not remove the anguish of loss and loneliness. We continue to long for the day when such pain will have ceased. As we see that He is "the resurrection and the life" (John 11: 25), and as we look to Him for our eternity, until that day comes, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53: 3) as we look to Him as our example. Knowing this is what enables grief and hope to coexist in our hearts.

Regarding the Author(s).

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. After graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written a number of books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. His Daily Devotionals are presented here via a syndication agreement. Faith Alistair Begg October 13, 2026. An ear open, a will ready.

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Mississippi Dept. Of Education releases accountability grades under more stringent cut scores. News Frank Corder October 15, 2026. Lumumba permanently disbarred by Mississippi Supreme Court. News Jeremy Pittari October 15, 2026.

Mississippi Department of Health updating state health plan, creating unified system for analyzing data. Business Cass Rutledge October 13, 2026. Startup plastics manufacturer Koinonia setting up operations in Drew. Business Cass Rutledge October 12, 2026. ALO investing over $176 million in Southaven for national distribution center. Business Cass Rutledge October 7, 2026.

Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters. Culture Chris Burrows, Associated Press October 15, 2026.

No. 9 Mississippi and No. 13 Missouri meet in a high-stakes clash of familiar faces. Culture Richelle Putnam October 14, 2026. Tennessee Williams comes home to the Delta. Culture Alistair Begg October 14, 2026. Opinion Sid Salter October 14, 2026. Capital punishment logistical failures a self-fulfilling strategy of death penalty opponents? Opinion Roger Wicker October 9, 2026. Permit reform act is a much-needed course correction. Opinion Delbert Hosemann October 8, 2026. Hosemann: It is time for Mississippi to ban all kratom products.

In short, the reality of grief is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.