There is no Bible verse that makes grief shorter. Anyone who tells you otherwise has not yet lost someone they loved. But there are passages that sit alongside you — that name what you are feeling, that give you permission to weep, and that, eventually, hold out the smallest thread of hope without pulling on it too hard.
When the loss is fresh
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
— Psalm 34:18
"Jesus wept."
— John 11:35
That second one is the shortest verse in the Bible and possibly the most important one for grief. Jesus knew Lazarus would be raised. He wept anyway. Grief is not a failure of faith.
When you cannot pray
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
— Romans 8:26
When the world feels louder than your loss
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
— Matthew 5:4
Note the future tense. The comfort is real and it is also coming — it does not have to arrive today.
When you start to look forward again
"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
If you are grieving as you read this — we are sorry. Take what helps. Leave what does not. There is no schedule.