It was my Mother’s birthday yesterday, the 4th of July. I was looking back longingly at memories of photos & the love she shared for others. People always speak fondly of my mum, even now, and the lives she impacted from brief encounters.
Grief does not go away overnight; you learn to live with the pain. I give God all the honour for getting me through such a difficult time, His constant provision and protection and the individuals He has brought into my life.
‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;
‘They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.’
(Lamentations 3:22-23).
Often, a reminder or a ‘trigger’ takes you back to the place of loss, whether it be a birthday, anniversary of death or celebration season. I may not visit the graveside as much now, but I know my Mother is in a better place, and I’m choosing to move forward.
Isaiah 43:18 tells us…
‘Forget the former things;
Do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland‘.
I will never forget my Mother. I miss her most of the time and often wish she was still here, but if I keep fixed on what was, I will never step into the ‘new things’ in store for the future.
The journey of grief feels like a wilderness period, but like the story of the Israelites, God brought them into the promised land. Be assured that whatever you are going through, God CAN ‘He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble‘ (Psalm 46:1).
I do not worry about the things of yesterday; I surrender Him my life and all my plans to His will. I know my life is in the palms of His hands, and I am assured that ‘He will never leave nor forsake me‘ (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Everybody’s journey and choices differ, but I trust the Lord.
Proverbs 3:6 reminds ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths‘.
PRAYER
Father, in the Name of Jesus,
ABBA Father, Prince of Peace,
Thank you that you are a good, good Father,
You are perfect in all your ways,
You do all things well,
You are not a man, that you should lie (Numbers 23:19),
Thank you that you are ever-present help in times of need,
Thank you for your faithfulness,
The blessing of You makes one rich, and You add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22),
Thank you for your love, your covering,
Your grace,
Your mercies are new every morning,
Thank you for this new season, Lord,
Thank you for Your healing,
Be close, Lord, to those who mourn,
Bless them, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4),
Help us, Lord to move forward in you,
Let your will and your way have preeminence in our lives,
Make the path straight, Lord,
I trust you and leave my life in your hands,
Direct your people at this time,
We trust in you and look to you,
In your precious name,
Amen
Written By Jaeger. V
6/07/24
