When you are grieving worship songs can help you grieve well, trust God, and start healing.

Grief. It is so hard, so overwhelming. But God.

God is present in our grief. What did David, the man after God’s own heart, do during grief?

He worshipped.

David’s child, the result of adultery and murder, was deathly ill as a result of David’ sin. David prayed fasted as long as he had hope that his child might live. He did not give up. But then his child died.

David’ servants were afraid of what David might do, but when he heard the news his reaction was unexpected. He washed his face, dressed, and worshipped. (2 Samuel 12:9-23)

Oh, dear friend, are you in a time of grieving? It feels so hopeless, especially when the grieving if still fresh and new. You may feel like you are drowning in sorrow. 

Looking ahead is too overwhelming. Take one week, one day, even one moment at a time. Let God give you grace just for the present moment, then trust more will come in the next moment . . . and the next . . . and the next. . .  until you have survived the day, the week, the month, the year when you felt you never could.

Losing my grandparents as a child and young adult was hard, especially my grandmother with whom I was closest, but I really didn’t know grief until much later. I had walked with my husband through losing his birth mother and oldest sister, both tragically. I had seen and prayed for others in their grief, but did not really have a glimpse into their hearts until the last few years. 

Through both of these times of grief, God has ministered (and is still ministering) to my heart through worship. Our Heavenly Father created us with a need and desire to worship that will only be fulfilled when we know and worship Him. 

Worshipping in grief is hard, but healing. Praise and prayer go together. God doesn’t expect us to come to Him pretending everything is okay, we have complete faith, and we don’t have doubts and questions. He wants our honest questions, fears, anger, and worship.

These songs help me to worship through my tears. Maybe will help you worship when you are grieving as well. They share honest feelings, but also lead me to look God for my hope. Music is a balm for the soul.

Listen to them over and over. Cry, sing, kneel, sway, scream, but WORSHIP.  

Worship Songs For While You Are Grieving

I won’t comment on every song, but “I Know” by Big Daddy Weave is probably my favorite song for worshipping through grief right now. It is such a good reminder that no matter our circumstances, what we know of God is still true.

This piano version of “Hills and Valleys” is so beautiful. I have sang it a church worship, funerals, and alone. 

Based on a statement by Job and accented with a message from John Piper, “Though You Slay Me” helps us to worship even when it seems like God has allowed us to suffer. 

I couldn’t listen to “Even If” without tears for a while, but this song helped me praise God even when He did not intervene in my circumstances they way I asked.

“It Is Well” is a long time favorite of mine. It reminds me that no matter what happens, because of Jesus I can say “It is well with my soul.”

If these songs help you worship though you are grieving deeply, please share this post with others who you think may need them as well. Also visit Lisa Appelo who regularly writes about grief from a Christian perspective.

What songs would you add that help you worship while grieving? Please share in the comments.