Trusting God When a Beloved Season of Life Ends
“Commit your future to the Lord. Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.” - Psalm 37:5, NET
I was walking up the flight of stairs for the final time when the tears started to fall. A season was ending, and I could not fathom what my future might hold. My skin felt clammy, and I felt as if I was climbing up a steep mountain instead of just a few steps. “Lord, give me strength and help me keep going,” I whispered as I grasped the rail and struggled to stay standing. This safe haven faithfully provided a solid foundation as I grew up and has forever transformed my life for the better. During a weekly chapel service that first year, I had run down an aisle to kneel at the altar and surrender my life to Jesus. Now, I was leaving behind the people I loved and exiting my “comfort zone” to enter an unexplored phase.
The direction of life can change in a moment, and sometimes we have to transition even if we determine we are ill-equipped for the move. We have to say goodbye to a community and that has defined us. Not knowing if we can accomplish what comes next can fill us with anxiety as we try to move forward.
God met me there in that stairwell and reminded me I did not need to strive. Everything I was worried about, I could simply commit into His care and rely on His strength to guide me. I might not know what tomorrow would bring, but He would go before me and show me what I needed to do moment by moment.
Whenever I am battling to get a handle on my erratic emotions, I will often turn to the book of Psalms in my Bible. I am always comforted by how David poured out his heart and confessed he needed God to help him survive his inexplicably hard circumstances. The vulnerable requests in these short poetic anthems remind us we are not alone as we struggle to keep the faith.
As David faced a watershed season, he reminded himself that his situation could change, but his God would remain constant. The Almighty will never be caught off guard by a hasty “goodbye” or an unexpected conclusion. Whatever we entrust into the care of our compassionate Heavenly Father will be secure. To “commit” our future to Him literally means we roll the weight of our worry off of our shoulders and allow Him to carry that burden. With confident expectation, we can lay aside all uncertainty because we believe He will fully control the outcome.
Instead of looking ahead with fear, you and I can lift our eyes to heaven and ask for God’s help. Grab your favorite pen and a notebook, and make a list of all the “what ifs” that you consider might happen if your worst-case scenario becomes a reality. Then, pray over each one and commit every detail over to the charge of God. Rest in the knowledge that your faithful God will empower you with whatever you need to accomplish the work He has called you to complete.
Seasons may end, but the Sovereign God who holds your future in His mighty hands remains engaged and at work in your everyday responsibilities. Your Waymaker will open up every door you need to walk through and will always intervene to act on your behalf. Trust He will keep you standing as you resolve to move forward in faith.
Let’s pray ...
Dear God:
As this beloved season ends, I want to thank you for how you have guided my path so far. Help me remember that You are faithful, and that I can trust you have a good plan and purpose for this new phase of my life. Show me what steps I need to take and give me the courage to obey your will. Fill me with confident hope as I honor You in the days ahead. May you order every detail and get all the glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Max Kolganov
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.” (Romans 12:9-12, MSG)
Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour
Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone.
If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 20 August 2026.
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