Support from the Bible
Many of those we’ve cared for have not been familiar with the Bible or involved in a church. Yet again and again, people have found quiet strength and unexpected comfort in these words.
You might hear them in a service — whether led by a priest, minister, pastor or civil celebrant — or you may wish to reflect on them in your own quiet moment.
Common passages include Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer, which have been spoken at countless bedsides and services over the centuries. You may also find comfort in:
Psalm 13 | Psalm 22 | Psalm 39 | Psalm 46 | Psalm 56 | Psalm 61 | Psalm 77 | Psalm 88 | Psalm 89 | Psalm 90 | Psalm 139 |
For those who wish to reflect more deeply on these themes, some books that Marc has personally found helpful include: The Doors of the Ocean, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, and The Book of Common Courage.
Marc & Friends does not receive any commission from these links but does have a personal connection with the author of the first book and the owner of The Wandering Bookseller, respectively.
Psalm 13:1-2
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day? (ESV)
Psalm 22:1-2
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest. (ESV)
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake. (ESV)
Psalm 39:4
O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am! (ESV)
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (ESV)
Hear a hymn that paraphrases this Psalm or a hymn that echos the most famous verse, "Be still, and know that I am God" (ESV).
Psalm 56:8
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? (ESV)
Psalm 61:1-4
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! (ESV)
Psalm 77:1-3
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph.
I cry aloud to God,
aloud to God, and he will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
my soul refuses to be comforted.
When I remember God, I moan;
when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah (ESV)
Psalm 88:1-3 The darkest Psalm
A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.
O Lord, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol. (ESV)
Read more — and be sure to read Psalm 89 too.
Listen to a sermon on this Psalm Warning: this sermon includes references to suicide themes.
Psalm 89:1-4
A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah (ESV)
Read an article about this Psalm and Psalm 88, together.
Psalm 90:3-4, 12
You return man to dust
and say, “Return, O children of man!”
For a thousand years in your sight
are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
…
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom. (ESV)
Listen to a song based on this Psalm.
Psalm 139:11-12
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you. (ESV)
Listen to a song based on this Psalm.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Grief can be a hard road, and in the midst of it some may feel overwhelmed. The Bible speaks honestly about sorrow — often more deeply than we’re used to — and many have found real comfort in its words. Seeking professional help can be a good and wise step too.
If you're seriously injured or at risk of harming yourself right now, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
For free, confidential 24/7 counselling, call or chat online with Lifeline (13 11 14) or Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). No problem is too big or small.
Visit their websites for more support: Lifeline | Suicide Call Back Service.