He will never let you down; He will never let you go

For those of you who don't know, these past few weeks have been full of ups and downs...

I completed my sophomore year of college! 

I said good-bye for now to a dear friend and roommate of two years, as she follows God into the next new and exciting phase of her life.

I welcomed home another beloved roommate from her study abroad time in London.

I visited with and eventually said good-bye to my Grandma (Darlene) Eunie. She died to this life Friday morning after a long period spent in Hospice.

Over the weekend, I attended a wedding and my brother's high school graduation, visited a newborn baby, was blessed in conversation with a wonderful mentor and woman, and rejoiced with those around me over the faithfulness and love of God.

Monday night was my grandma's visitation, and this morning was her funeral. I grasped on to the promise of that same faithfulness and love of God through tears, good-byes, and time with family.

Tomorrow morning, I leave for Kansas City. I leave full of hope mixed with anxieties- after a weekend of tears and rejoicing- knowing that God's character is unchanging. That he is present in joy and sorrow. I know the promise that my Beloved, my Father, my Strong Tower and Protector, will never let me down and He will never let me go. I remember those words spoken at my baptism, and other repeated promises.

 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want."

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

"Lord, you have searched me and you know me... You know my thoughts even when I am far away."

"I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

God is good. Always. He is present. Always. He hears my prayers. Always. He is faithful. Always. He loves. Always. God is good.

So I leave with this verse in mind- one that was read at my grandma's funeral earlier today. A verse that has been one of my favorites for a long time.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Finally dear brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things."

Philippians 4:4-8