Be Still, My Soul
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLT
If we were given the chance to filter out things form our life experiences, it’s likely that some of us would choose to eliminate loss. That word loss can refer to a lot of things—for example, having to bid farewell to what is most comforting and familiar to us (even as far back as that favorite baby blanket or teddy bear!), being let go from a meaningful job, parting with a friend who moves away, or ultimately saying goodbye to a dear one who leaves this earth. Throughout our human experience, we will all encounter loss in our own way, and it just doesn’t feel right. Something deep within us surely recognizes that this wasn’t God’s original intent for His creation. We feel the weight of the Fall when we grieve, a tiny taste of what Adam and Eve must have felt when the consequences of their sin involved that sudden removal from Eden and their separation from God’s intimate presence. Loss is a transition that feels forced upon us, often takes us by surprise, and can easily make us feel overwhelmed and out of control (as if we were the ones running the universe in the first place!). The bottom line is: Letting go can be really, really hard, and none of us know what it will be like to walk through something we haven’t yet experienced. That can feel a little unsettling and disorienting. It’s vital for us in those times to know that there is Someone who will be there with us without fail, offering healing and comfort every step of the way.
Because of Jesus, we have an eternal hope that carries us through times of loss. Will it be easy? Of course not. But can we draw close to Him and make it through in one piece? Absolutely. Whether it’s something that seems insignificant to the world (though not to us) or it’s one of the most devastating situations we’ve ever faced, He is present. In fact, the Bible reminds us that God draws near to us in a special way during the toughest times: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18 NASB). The comforting hymn “Be Still, My Soul” speaks to the heart about His presence with us no matter what we face:
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
As we’ve all learned, loss is an unavoidable part of our journey on this earth. But letting go is a different experience when we remember the One we’re holding on to, who is forever holding on to us. He’s not here merely for today; we get to wake up to Him tomorrow and every day after that until we see His face in glory. Then saying goodbye to anything or anyone will be a distant memory.
Dear Jesus, You are the One who never leaves my side. Especially during the tough times, I need to remember how close You are. As I let go of so much in my life, I want to always remember to hold on to You. You are my one constant, and I am eternally grateful for Your loving, faithful presence. Amen.
This is an excerpt from Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine: Old-Time Devotions for Fresh Starts – a devotional available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.
