Not Lost

 

Caregivers can deal with losses on a lot of different levels. We may experience the loss of our loved ones who are not who they used to be, but are still with us. (Living grief) Another huge loss we may have to deal with is the loss of our BC (before caregiving) lives. Loss comes in so many different packages depending on the particulars of our circumstances and the condition of our loved ones.

The sense of loss can be so deep, so complex, and so gripping that it's difficult to navigate. We all deal with it in different ways. I got myself in a financial bind early on because I was trying to deal with the emotions of loss in unhealthy ways. Once I realized I was buying things, literally whatever I wanted, to try and fill the hole left in my life and heart, I was able to reel it in and start digging out!

Sometimes, it takes a while to realize that is what is going on in our emotions, because no one has ever talked about it. We don't always have words to describe the depth of loss we feel.

That's why I take comfort in scriptures that remind us of what we have in Christ. There are some things we simply cannot lose. Ephesians 1 is a powerful chapter that lists some of the things we have in Christ. We have redemption through His blood. (v.7) We have forgiveness of our sins. (v.7) We are chosen in Him. (v.4) And the list goes on. What's so great about it is that these are not going to go away. They are not affected by our life circumstances, period.

Forgiveness, redemption, belonging, peace, righteousness, and salvation do not have off buttons in case life takes a downward turn. I'll say it again, God has no exclusionary statements. He doesn't promise peace...unless... He doesn't offer salvation to everyone except...caregivers. It sounds a little silly, don't you think? But caregiving can be something that rips at your soul and makes us feel stripped down to our core. It feels bad. But it's not always a bad place to be, especially when we let it drive us back to His heart.

I'm so glad that God doesn't have an eraser for anything except our sin!

Today, I will remind myself that even though I feel lost and empty sometimes, I am still full of His Spirit! My meditation will be on how He never takes anything back, but just continues to extend His grace and mercies into my day. We are not excluded from any of the blessings of God due to our circumstances. Today, I'll look past my situation and focus in on His grace, as I remind myself I'm not lost from Him. I'm never out of His line of sight! So, I know I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

 Peace Out! It's in the Bible is a 31-day devotional that is focused on letting God's peace reign in our hearts - no matter what. You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and kindle versions are available in my Amazon Shop.