“… For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
–Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)
Have you ever experienced the wonderful feeling of coming home from a vacation? After being away for a few days (or maybe a week or two), you can finally revel in the familiarity and comforts of home again. I had that same feeling on a sunny June afternoon several years ago. I had been staying with my grandmother for about a week, so when we pulled up to my house I really wanted to go inside. But as much as I longed to make myself at home again, I knew this would be impossible. The house which I had filled with childhood memories was now completely empty. Today we were moving across the country, from Minnesota to Arizona. I knew we’d be taking all of our possessions with us, but my heart still ached to enter that house one last time. My teenaged mind was totally against this change, and all I wanted to do was wrap myself in childhood again. But my mom and stepfather insisted that I get into the movers’ truck and leave the house behind. In the end I cooperated with them, but inwardly I had been torn in two.
The pain of loss is a fact of life, which all of us will have to endure at least once. A loved one may die suddenly. You may be betrayed by your friends, or you may have to move away from home. Sadness is truly one of the universal emotions, so we can’t avoid its effects.
However, God is the only friend who can personally comfort all of us, and revive us when our circumstances get us down. In His word, God promised that He will never leave us or forsake us, as long as we choose to form a relationship with Him. In Romans Chapter 8, Paul writes that nothing of any kind can separate us from the love of God. This means that no matter how rough your life may become, God will always be there to listen to your cares and problems, comfort you and get you back on your feet again.
I know that it will take a long time to overcome grief and loss. It took me over a year to get used to my new life in Arizona. During the first few weeks at the new house I felt emotionally numb, and everything was so strange and unfamiliar. I withdrew into myself for many months, and I didn’t make a ton of friends during the first year of high school. But as time went by, I gradually came to like the new house and find emotional peace. God’s love and some counseling helped me to get through the sad times. God will do the same thing for you, once you decide to form a personal relationship with Him.
I encourage you to get to know God and His son for yourself, or re-dedicate your life to Him if you already know Him. God will gladly take you into His welcoming arms, if you choose to believe in Him.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-432-6498. When prompted, press 1 for live chat rooms, and we’ll be waiting in room 31. You can press pound to bypass our friend Sharon’s intro message once you’ve entered room 31. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.