A Prayer to Trust God with What We Leave Behind
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”- Jeremiah 29:11
Listen or Read Below:
It’s surreal to say this, but I’m about to launch my first baby out of the nest and off to college. And for the first time, my family’s near future is full of plans without him. It doesn’t feel quite right if I’m being honest. As if I’m intentionally leaving behind something I shouldn't. Someone I love, my son, who completes our family unit, who, when he isn’t present, leaves us feeling a little less than whole. But I must let him loose. It’s for the best. For his best. And so I suppose all of ours. Though it certainly won’t always feel so great in the process.
Have you ever had the feeling you’ve left someone or something behind? When people have passed away, moved away, or moved on? Maybe you’ve left a job you loved or a role you were extremely comfortable with, or parted ways with a home or town that held precious moments and memories. Or possibly at some point, you lost an item that you treasured. I know all these feelings. And you and I will likely feel them again and again. Because life keeps shifting and changing, loss is inevitable, and we are constantly forced to let go and let loose the things of this earth that we once held tightly. And it’s not easy.
Transition is hard. Letting go is hard. And truly, any change can come with hardship and struggle. Sometimes lots of it. But when a door closes behind us, we find a brand new space in front of us full of wide open windows, unimaginable doorways, and expansive entryways. And God isn’t and wasn’t surprised by the changes—by what’s left behind. God has known the plans he’s had for us all along. He is the creative mastermind of all of them. He knows that the plans are not to harm us. But they are good. And he knows that whatever you’ve had to leave behind, even in part, was always part of his plan. No, it may not be easy; in fact, many times it’s harder than we think he can handle. But we can be certain we are on the exact path we are supposed to be. And we can have hope because there are incredible views, opportunities, and blessings ahead that would never have been if things had remained the same. New spaces, new faces, new places. More margin, more moments, more fresh memories.
And speaking of memories. We might think we’re leaving behind the thing or the ones, but we always get to take the memories with us. And the memories are some of the greatest gifts from God. Gifts that keep giving. That brings even greater joy as time passes. Repetitions of joy after joy when reflected on. And whatever we move on or away from makes room for new memories, new paths, new joys.
I know I need to keep this focus as I feel a sense of leaving my boy behind. Remembering that the joys once received from God’s gifts never have to be left behind, and remembering that he has a really good plan for what’s in the works. A good plan for me, a good plan for my son, and a good plan for my whole family. And the same is true for you, too, in all circumstances. Hold onto the joyful gift of the precious joys of the past, savor the joys unfolding in the present, and trust with all your heart that God has a perfect, prosperous plan with so much more joy, beauty, and abundant blessings ahead.
Let’s Pray:
Lord God, You are the giver of all good things. All the blessings, people, and experiences that have filled my days with incredible joy. Though as life moves on, and it feels like I’m forced to leave behind some of my most cherished treasures, help me see that I don’t ever have to leave behind the joy you brought about through these gifts. Help me to hold on to all past joy in increasing measure and with great gratitude for the wide open space for new memories and joys to be made. May I look back in awe of the collection of blessings and gifts I have gathered as my life journey blooms and blossoms with each precious season. Knowing you have had me on the perfect path all along, and that you have a greater joy-filled plan of goodness and purpose for my future. Thank you for your intentional loving care. In your eternal name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ Erica Shires
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