“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.” –1 Chronicles 16:27
In 2023, we find ourselves in the middle of an abundance of hurt and pain. War, political upheaval, many lost and broken, and for some of us, so much loss these past few years. At times, it may seem as though we are fighting an uphill battle.
In February 2021, I found myself in my own loss, riddled with the pain of losing my grandmother during the Covid era. I was not allowed to be with her while she was sick in the hospital for the last two and a half months of her life. She was alone in the physical when she took her last breath here on earth. It was the greatest loss I had ever suffered. Then in September of the same year, my husband and I both became very sick from Covid Pneumonia. I spent almost a week in the hospital, while my husband was in the hospital on oxygen for over a month. And again, in less than a year, I found myself separated from someone I deeply love.
When I reflect on that year, I know it was the strength and joy that can only be found in Jesus, our dwelling place, that carried me through. To laugh when I didn’t think I could laugh. To feel comfort when I didn’t know I could be comforted. To continue on when I didn’t think I could continue on. It was my faith and hope in the gospel that kept me going and eventually healed my heart.
I often ask, “How could I do this without Jesus?!” And the answer is, I couldn’t! At least not without turning my heart into stone. What a hope and joy we have in Jesus! It is worship, prayer, scripture, being with his people, and just simply talking to Jesus that sees us through the battles that life brings.
In one instance, I asked God why my grandma had to be alone when she passed, as I was very angry about this. He showed me a vision of him walking into the room with her, putting her hand into his, and taking her to heaven with him. She was never alone, and neither are we. Hallelujah for that!
Reflect:
What are moments in your life where you had to rely on the strength and joy of Jesus? What are battles that you overcame that you can share as a testimony to others? And finally, what are the battles you are facing now?
I encourage you to listen to this song by Brian Johnson. It has brought me so much peace and placed my eyes on Jesus during my brokenness. I hope it does the same for you. https://youtu.be/dc5keYbG43E
I ask the Lord to bless you today with unexpected joy and strength in his dwelling place.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angel Medeiros joined Novo in August 2021 as the Development Assistant on the Partner Development Team with Mission Advancement. She lives in Moreno Valley, CA with her husband of four years, Jacob, and their cat Figaro.