“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