Tag Archives: Corrie Ten Boom

May30

Sacred Seasons: Trusting God Through Life’s Transitions

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“For David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.’

And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.”

—1 Chronicles 23:25–26

In seasons of transition—especially one as life-altering and heart-breaking as losing a loved one —it can feel as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. Roles we once embraced, routines we once carried out with love, and identities that shaped our days are suddenly no longer the same. The world continues moving, but we’re left holding the pieces of a life that no longer looks the way it used to.

As I step into this new chapter after the loss of my husband, I was surprised to find comfort in a passage I’ve rarely lingered on before: 1 Chronicles 23:25–26. At first glance, it may seem like a simple historical note about temple duties. But as I read it with the lens of personal grief, I began to see something deeply meaningful.

David is preparing the people for a new season. The wandering is over. The battles are behind them. God has given His people rest. And because He now dwells in Jerusalem—no longer in a mobile tent—the Levites no longer have to carry the tabernacle or the holy items they once transported from place to place.

That change didn’t diminish the sacredness of their former role. In fact, it honored it. The years of carrying, protecting, and moving with God’s presence were not wasted—they were holy. But now, God was doing something new. Their burden was lifted. A new chapter had begun.

Surprisingly, a glimpse of my own life jumped off the page in those verses—and perhaps it does for you, too, if you’re in a season of transition or loss. (I love how God speaks to us through His word—often in unexpected places like this!)

God gently reminds me through this passage:

  • You no longer have to carry what you once did.
  • That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose –
  • It means I’m leading you into something new.

For so long, I carried the role of a wife and caregiver. It was sacred and weighty, filled with both joy and heartache. And now, I no longer carry those same daily duties. It’s a tender release, not one I asked for, but one that life brought—and one that God sees. Now that season has shifted. That role has changed.

This scripture reminds me that God is not only the God of our past—of our marriages, our memories, our familiar roles—but also the God of our present and our future. He still dwells with us. He is not far off. He sees us and cares about our new role. Even as the landscape of our lives changes, His presence remains steadfast and near.

So if you find yourself in a new chapter—whether through grief, change, or an unexpected shift in your life—I pray this passage brings you peace:

  • You do not carry what you once did.
  • That does not mean you failed or you no longer have a purpose.
  • It means God is doing something new.
  • He’s still right by your side.

The same God who was with us in the carrying is the One who is with us in the releasing. He is still near, and He is still dwelling with us.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us through all seasons in life. Help me trust You to be with me and guide me on navigating this change. Give me peace as I lay down what I no longer need to carry, and strengthen me to walk forward with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
  • “Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 NIV

Jul15

Shape Your Worries Into Prayers

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worrycorrie ten boom

 
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 CSB)
  • Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything.

We use tremendous mental energy when we worry, yet we accomplish nothing. We lose sleep, create stress on our entire body, and take time and focus away from other important things.

Worrying puts us in a state of anxiety as we imagine potential scenarios to solve or avoid potential threats and their potential consequences. It’s our way of trying to pre-plan how we might control the uncontrollable through hypothetical risk analysis.

Paul instructs us to “…shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Philippians 4:6 MSG) So the next time you find yourself ruminating over your list of what-if-worst-case scenarios, try verbalizing those swirling thoughts into prayers, letting God know what is troubling you.

What would you say to a friend if you picked up the phone and called to talk about your problems? That’s exactly what you can do when you talk to Jesus. He’s available 24/7 and happy to listen, even when your worried thoughts keep you awake at night.

  • Peace displaces worry.

The wonderful thing about praying our worries to God is that once we lay our cares at His feet, His “peace which surpasses understanding” will settle in and displace our churning anxiety. This divine peace creates a deep sense of inner calmness amid tumultuous trials and is so shocking that it is beyond our explanation.

  • Peace stands guard at the gates of your mind and heart.

The word “guard” in Philippians 4:7 gives us a visual image of soldiers guarding a city gate…from INSIDE the gate. So by praying about your cares and concerns to God, God’s peace will move in and stand guard inside the gates of your mind and your heart to prevent an invasion of fear and worry from overtaking you.

  • Instead of worrying, try this:

Let God transform your worry into peace by trying this: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG)

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Dear Lord,

Thank you that I can bring all my concerns and worries to You. Thank you that you are always ready to listen. Help me trust that You know what’s best for me in every situation and that You can make all things work together for good1…even the things I’m worried about. Remind me that with God all things are possible.2 Thank you for Your peace that stands guard at the gate of my mind and my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Related Scriptures:

  • 1“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV )
  • 2“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
  • “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” (Isaiah 26:5 CSB)
  • “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” ~Jesus (Luke 12:25-26 NIV)