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“Rest in the Lord,” my friend told me. I had heard the phrase before, but I found it difficult to rest regardless of what I knew about the Lord. I was overwhelmed and surrounded by moving boxes. If my husband Bill had not gone to heaven that year, it is likely that I would not have moved at all. If things had gone according to my plan, there would not be the stress or struggle I was facing.

After losing Bill, it seemed that my workload more than doubled. I was his caregiver for many years prior to his death, but I did have others helping me and an extra pair of arms around most of the time. Suddenly, anything that was required was something I needed to do. Always before, the Bible had provided comfort and peace in the midst of any challenge facing me. I searched for scripture that mentioned rest. In the book of Jeremiah, Judah was not heeding the warning of the Lord, stubborn and in need of rest.

Thus says the Lord,
Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is, and walk in it;
and you shall find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16 (NASV)

This was a simple reminder from God that walking with Him could provide rest for my soul. I needed just a moment to regain my footing and strengthen my faith in the Lord. My soul needed rest, so I began to pray. Prayer and time with the Lord provided comfort and a reminder that His presence is available anytime. As I began to seek God, His plans became my plans. Most importantly I found confidence in the Lord. I could focus on His power in each moment and my days began to fill with purpose.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-3 (NLT)

Once again, I have been moving and need rest. This is the right move. It is a good move and one that I am incredibly grateful for. I am relocating to a nearby suburb. Since this is my fourth move in six years, I am beginning to understand a little bit of how the Hebrew people felt as they travelled through the wilderness. I find a longing to being settled. There is a strong desire for permanence and planting roots.

Often, I consider these relocations part of the aftermath of my loss. In the book of Exodus, the Hebrews experienced plagues, slavery and wandering for 40 years. As I read, I found they built altars to the Lord. They recounted their past as they worshipped Him at those altars. That was their way to remember how God had intervened and rescued them.

An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.
Exodus 20:24 (ESV)

For the Israelites, as they trusted God for their future, they developed gratitude for God’s provision. The act of remembering God’s impact on their days, and His presence and protection in the past, reinforced their faith in Him. All of my moves, though apparently temporary, have been moves that were part of God’s plan. Today I can turn my heart over time’s shoulder to see all the ways and times God’s arms have carried me. My thankfulness shapes my theology into one of trust. My gratitude allows me to look back and see His hand in each movement.

Lord,

We come to You needing rest. Give us a heart filled with gratitude. Freshen our minds with memories of the ways You have provided and protected us. Thank You for giving us strength for each day. Help us find peace and purpose after loss. Provide us with wisdom as we navigate change and challenges.

In Jesus Name, Amen.