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Bethesda Senior Living Communities aim to make the transition into assisted living as smooth as possible, but we also understand this change can be challenging for some. The experienced, compassionate staff members at all our communities are available to offer support and comfort during this time.
Seniors of faith can also find considerable comfort in Scripture to guide them as they enter this new phase of life. Jesus holds our hearts through challenging times, and moving into an assisted living community is no different. Here are five verses of comfort to keep you in good spirits.
You may have heard the Christian song "Though the Mountains May Fall" which has the lyrics:
Though the mountains may fall
And the hills turn to dust
Yet the love of the Lord will stand
As a shelter for all who will call on His name
The lyrics for this song are reflected in Isaiah 54:10, which reads:
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
In Psalm 46:1, seniors are further reminded that God is always with them, no matter what:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Both of these verses remind seniors that no matter how bad things get, they can lean on the Lord for strength and guidance. While God is not there to take all of our problems away, we can put our trust in him and let God be our strength.
For seniors in assisted living communities, strength may come in the support of friends, family and community staff members.
One fear seniors often have when moving into an assisted living community is feeling lonely, since they may be away from family or friends for the first time. Bethesda Senior Living Communities know the importance of the community aspect to senior living — friends and family are typically welcome to visit or even share a meal with you, and you can enjoy plenty of social time with other residents during scheduled activities and programs.
The Bible, too, reminds us that as long as we have God and Jesus Christ in our life, we are never alone. Joshua 1:9 reads:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
In this verse from Scripture, Paul is appealing to the Lord, who is the source of peace in our life, to grant His peace to the church at Thessalonica, which was experiencing trials, persecution and other troubles. Paul asked for the Lord's peace to calm the church's members.
Just as Paul asked the Lord for peace upon his church, you too can ask the Lord for peace and comfort during challenging times. As mentioned previously in Psalm 46:1, although God cannot erase our troubles, we can rely on him for strength.
At Bethesda Senior Living Communities, we also want our residents to find peace within the community in a way that appeals to them. It might be a quiet evening or morning walk on the grounds, time in worship services or periods of joy experienced with new friends during mealtimes or when playing games.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
This beloved passage from the New Testament is an invitation and calls to believers of Jesus Christ to follow him as a committed disciple. It's not a call to a specific program, religion, church or human leader, it's a call to come to Jesus. He is telling us that we can take comfort in Him. When we are anxious (1 Peter 5:7) and unsure, he will give us and our souls hope, rest and comfort.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
In this familiar verse, Jesus reminds us that although we may face challenges and trouble in our lives, we can take comfort in Jesus, knowing our sins are forgiven and that the love of the Lord is in our hearts.
And since he has "overcome the world", we as his disciples have nothing to fear.
The next time you are feeling lonely, worried or unsure about this next transition into assisted living, take comfort in these verses from Scripture, which remind you that Jesus is always there to offer hope and comfort.
