The Fall of the Year

As the fall has begun in Tennessee, I am reminded of that “season of life” we all face when death touches our family or friends. As we or our loved ones get older we face our mortality more. If this is such a time in your life I have a few verses that I pray will touch your heart today. I know I have been using the ESV lately, but these verses seemed better in the New Living Translation.

But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV).

The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger – so why should I tremble? Yet I am confident that I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. (Psalm 27:1, 13-14 NLV).

Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there. "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-6 NLV).

So often there really aren’t words to adequately express the depth of emotions we feel during a time of grief or loss. I read the following poem, written by Louise Nelms some years ago just prior to the death at my mother-in-law’s funeral. I pray it will speak to you in whatever stage of grief you may be. It is titled, “Miss Me, But Let Me Go.”


When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
Remember, I am free of a heavy load.
Don’t cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little – but not too long,
And not with you head bowed low.
Remember the love we all shared.
Miss me – but let me go.

This is a journey we all have to take
And each must go alone.
It’s just a part of our Master’s plan,
A step on the road home.

When you’re lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing the Lord’s work.
Miss me – but let me go.
There have been many losses we have experienced through the years. We miss them, but as treasure deposited and reserved, we know they wait for us in the arms of our Savior! Thanks be to God, who gives us that victory!