Even still we trust in You

It’s been a heavy year.

Frankly, it’s been tough.

Some highlights include marriage and celebrating a year of a dream job and making memories while being in my home which is now “our home.”

There has been much laughter. There have been many tears and hugs and gaps of silence I wish I could fill with just the right words.

We have lost family members around almost every major holiday this year, even days leading up to our wedding.

We have felt that pain as individuals and as a collective family.

And there still are health challenges for other family members.

The thing about grief is it isn’t universal. We all do it differently and there really isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. Grief is something that numbs us, takes our joy, and clouds our moments with heaviness.

And yet with that pain comes healing for loved ones from illnesses and from suffering. This gives us hope and anticipation for what’s to come.

But still there is grief.

Grief and longing for one more phone call, one more hug, one more joyful memory. Grief surfaces for time lost and time cut short.

And yet there is peace.

There is peace knowing I will hug them again. I will see their smiling faces. I will sing with them in heaven.

And as I sit here and reflect on this year all I can do is pray. I pray for peace and comfort and for God to heal our brokenness as only He can. His word tells us He bandages the wounds of the brokenhearted. And He certainly has done so for me in many situations. And He will do it again.

Friend, I don’t know where you are standing. I don’t know the storms you face.

But, I want you to know in the seasons of life where everything isn’t turning up roses, you have a constant Friend and Father to turn to, to give your broken heart to. Let Him fill you with peace as only He can and let Him carry you.

No matter what the next year will hold, He’s already been there. In fact, He stands waiting for you and me to walk with Him each day into the unknown with the promise that He will never leave us.

Thank You, Father, for Your promises. May we walk boldly into the next year leaning on You and following Your lead. We know You love us and You have plans for our lives that include a personal loving relationship with You. Help us lean into Your love. Please sustain us in every season with Your peace. Please show us glimpses of joy even in moments we navigate through grief. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

”He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.“ -‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

”He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.“ - ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

”I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.“ - Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

”For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.“ - Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬