Goodbyes. Change. Hurt. Sorrow.
As the goodbyes bring change, our stress increases. We fight harder for control. We try to steady ourselves with more control. But, the harder we hold on, the less hold we have. Eventually, we turn to Jesus. We cling to Him. As we cling, we often fall prey to false thinking. We think that in our strength and power and control to hold on to Jesus, it will bring about the changes that WE want...that WE think should happen. We forget that it is Jesus who is holding onto us...His power...His control.
We need to keep reminding ourselves of our purpose here on earth. What did God make us for? What did He make me for? To always be comfortable and surrounded by family and friends who love me and serve me and give me what I want? If I had that all the time...what would I need Jesus for? What would be the purpose of heaven? Why would I want to be closer to Jesus? Not, that I want to get closer to Jesus to get what I want, but the hole in my heart that longs for unconditional love and acceptance only comes from Him. People will disappoint us and yes, leave us.
A mom dies and leaves behind a legacy of love. A baby dies and leaves behind empty hands and hearts. A daughter leaves her family to begin a new life with her new husband and leaves behind memories and hopes fulfilled. A son leaves his family to live his own life, his own way and leaves behind shattered dreams. A dad leaves his family for selfish pursuits and leaves behind buried hurts. Friends come and go like the tide. A new job brings hope and answered prayer. This world has always been and is destined for change. The people living in this world are affected by that change. There is no such thing as status quo any more.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-7
We long for the good to stay and the bad to go. Both good and bad come from these changes. Outward change brings inward change. We need to give and serve others. That's what Jesus did...what He wants us to do. The goodbyes, the hurts, the sorrows, the joys, the hopes...they all play a part in God's plan and purpose to mold us more like Him. As each passing change and each passing year occurs, we begin to look more and more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And, we become a living sacrifice, a living witness, a living testimony to who Christ is.
O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you:
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the
richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Psalm 63:1-5
Psalmliving,
Tamie
