21 Bible Verses for When You Are Broken-Hearted and Grieving

Death, divorce, break-ups, betrayal, and unmet expectations can all make us feel like our hearts are broken. We question why and don’t understand how the rest of the world is continuing everyday life.

We grieve the things that were, that won’t be, and aren’t. Grieving and broken hearts are prevalent throughout the Bible. Yet, we can see how God’s people have brought their broken hearts to him and how he restores them and us.

Drawing near God through his word can bring us comfort. As you read the bible verses below, consider taking one or two and reading the context around the verse. Or if it’s a Psalm, read the entire Psalm. It’s through getting quiet and reading God’s word that you’ll begin to feel the sadness lift.

Bible Verses When Your Heart is Breaking

What Jesus Said About Our Grief

When Jesus found was told Lazarus had died, he came upon Mary and Martha grieving. He cried with them and comforted them. Our Jesus knows grief and heartbreak and he comforts us through these times.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” John 11:33-36 BSB

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 NLT

Related: You Are Not Broken

Psalms To Meditate on When You’re Greiving

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 NIV

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11 NIV

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 NLT

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:7-8 NIV

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:20 NLT

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NLT

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 NLT

 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2 NLT

More Bible Verses for the Broken Hearted

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NIV

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 NLT

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

How does God heal a broken heart?

Through his word and his people, God will heal your broken heart. When we are broken-hearted, we want to stop feeling so broken and find restoration immediately. Whether you see it or not, God is working, but we must remember: His time is not our time.

Where in the Bible Does God Say He Won’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

It doesn’t say in the Bible that God will never give us more than we can handle. Many people say this when they don’t know what to say.

What God says is that he will comfort us and we have a high priest (Jesus) who has felt every emotion we will go through. Jesus will empathize with you and collects all of our tears.

And that is the most comforting Bible verse for us when we are grieving or feel broken-hearted.

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.     You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8