His Presence in Every Season
Grief … a bit of an exhausting thing. I recently (and honestly, hesitantly) shared my journey with grief to a group of ladies at our church. The more I thought about what I was going to share, the more I realized just how much change my family & I had been through over the past few years. And it was crushing, yet healing. It wasn’t just about grief related to losing loved ones, it was also grief related to change that comes with loss & change that life just has a way of bringing.
Speaking of change … also an exhausting thing! Grief isn’t always about losing a loved one. Many times loss is from change … change in health, change in a relationship or family dynamics, job or opportunity. It’s a child leaving the nest, a move to a new town, a new or fragile start. Even beautiful & blessed things involve change.
One day, in the middle of this overwhelming place I found myself, I literally cried out to God … “Thank you. Thank you, Father, that you never change & that you’re never going to leave me.” In that moment, I met God in a deeper way than I ever had. As Christians, we know this truth about the character of God. But that truth is so profound & life changing when you feel as if you’re losing it all.
I’d love to remind you of the character of God & His presence in YOUR life & in your circumstances. He is steady & unchanging. He is present & He’s never going to leave you. His word is never changing & you can hold tight to every promise.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “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.”
Hebrews 13:8 states that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Lastly, I have found that there is still such joy & beauty to be found, even while still walking through grief & change. One verse that has helped tremendously is Isaiah 40:31 … “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.“
Other translations say … “they that trust or hope in the Lord shall renew their strength.” Our strength is renewed by putting our hope & trust in HIM & no other. No human and certainly no “thing” was meant to be our savior. We have the One & Only in Jesus, who is qualified & able to save. Not only does He rescue, He gives us the power & ability to soar … to continue dreaming, loving, resting, hoping with Him. He restores! I pray you rest in that profound & beautiful reality.
With love,
Mandy
