Making the move into an assisted living community is a big step — one we hope you considered and planned carefully to ensure a vibrant and joyful life in your new home. At Bethesda Senior Living Communities, we're always so happy to welcome a new resident into one of our assisted living communities. We've seen residents thrive in their communities and find so much happiness and peace, but we also know such a move can be stressful and scary.
That's why we're reminding you today of some of God's promises for you and how they endure, even during a major life change such as a move into a senior living community.
Isaiah 46:4. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
In the New Testament, Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God through Jesus, and this is a refrain throughout the Bible. God cares for his people and sustains them, even as they traverse both mountains and valleys on this earth. The doors of an assisted living community certainly don't change anything about this promise, and you can rest assured that God will continue to be with you as you enter them. And if you choose a faith-based community, you can live among people and staff who'll help remind you of this truth.
Philippines 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Retirement doesn't mean God is done with you. Moving into a senior living community doesn't mean God is done with you. God is continuing his good work in you, regardless of age and location, and there may yet be something he wants you to do. Continuing to honor his word and his will in your life as a senior of faith is important, and doing so may open doors in your assisted living community you never imagined. Take time to pray as you make this life change that God will show you what he has in store for this chapter of your life.
Psalm 23:6. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Older adults of faith know that our circumstances in this life are temporary — whether they're good or bad. But they also know those who believe in Jesus are promised everlasting goodness and eternal life that stretches far and beyond this temporary circumstance. Keeping the big picture of your salvation and God's plan for you in mind is always a good idea when approaching change.
John 16:22. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Jesus shares these words with his disciples shortly before he is arrested and crucified. He knows their grief will be immense — unimaginable to them in that current moment before it all comes to pass. But Jesus also knows something else: He knows that joy comes in the morning. He knows death will be defeated and those gathered before him will see him again and rejoice in the good news of the Gospel.
When going through a major change in life, it can be tempting to fall into despair or worry. Perhaps a move didn't go exactly as planned, or perhaps this isn't how you saw your golden years playing out. It's okay to give way to a time of grief for things you've lost, but it's important to remember that grief is only for a time and joy is coming. We don't have to wait for the eternal joy Jesus promises, either; older adults can look for things to be grateful for and experience joy right in their assisted living community.
John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The peace Jesus leaves comes from the Holy Spirit. It doesn't bow down to the things of the world because it's not of this world. Relying on this peace during times of change can help people of all ages overcome what seem like serious challenges and find contentment in their circumstances again.
