by Krista Larrison

Like many of you, I am busy. Every day. As the owner of two businesses, an event-planning company, and a custom wedding dress and suit shop, I am mentally and physically in constant motion!

So imagine this—you are busier than you have ever been and then suddenly—you’re hit with the kind of heartache and loss that makes everything stop. Recently, I’ve been mourning the loss of my marriage and the loss of close relatives & friends. These trials have made it even more challenging to push through already hectic days—days in which I have to get things done. The reality is, there are times when I would rather pull the blankets over my head and cry myself to sleep than face my reality.

The Only Way Out, is Through

But there is a God who gives us strength, and through Him I have walked through to the other side. “What does the other side look like,” you ask? 

For me, the “other side” embodies a longing, a calling, a pulling, a craving, a desire to spend time with my heavenly Father and rely on Him each and every morning. 

The Word says in Mathew 11:28-29, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Every morning, I seek rest from my Father by practicing the discipline of waking up at 7:20. I get out of bed, grab my daily devotional, my journal, and my Bible, and head to the kitchen to make coffee.

As I wait for my coffee to brew, I stare out the window and repeat the words “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)

Listening to Christian music or audiobooks has also helped me with my morning practice of relying on God for what I need each day. Here are a few titles that I highly recommend.

• Try Softer – Aundi Kolber
• The Best Yes – Lysa TerKeurst
• The Rest of God – Mark Buchanan
• The Untethered Heart – Michael A Singer
• Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis

Meeting God on the Other Side

When I first began this journey with puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks, someone told me that happiness and joy are a choice. Honestly, hearing that made me mad! I didn’t choose divorce or choose to lose my loved ones!

But now, I get it. The more I choose to find my true love in Christ, the more I choose to seek His comfort, His peace, His love, His strength … the more I crave Him, the more my love and dependence on Him grows.

He’s Always a Choice

For true change, I must choose to let the Lord into my heart. I must choose to give Him my will and my life. I must give up over, and over, and over again. Sometimes—several times a day—especially when all of my office equipment calls in sick, all at once!

These are the days that I must choose to take a breath, ask God for his wise intervention and take a super-fast walk around the building.

Deciding to rely on God each day is a choice. A choice to surrender, and let go— a choice to let go of worry and guaranteed outcomes. 

I am reminded of  Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection Questions

What does relying on God look like for you in this season?

What are some daily practices you can implement to draw nearer to God?

List your most recent trials. In what ways are you choosing God through them? In which ways could you choose Him more?