Go Out with Joy

The housing market is tight, even ballooned. Scheduling packers was a nightmare. There’s no easy way to get there from here. And maybe someday you’ll learn to move with the grace of a general’s wife (with all her staff help). However, right now, it’s still the gypsy caravan with screaming kids, escaping pets, wafting old French fries, and empty chocolate milk bottles erupting out of the minivan every time the doors open.

But somehow, God’s got you.

Amid all the possible scenarios, all the anxious waiting, all the stuff to pack or pitch, all the “where’s the next gas station and where can we stay” questions, and all the culture shock of the new place—God is your faithful foundation.

When you are set free,

you will celebrate

and travel home in peace.

Mountains and hills will sing

as you pass by,

and trees will clap.

Cypress and myrtle trees

will grow in fields

once covered by thorns.

And then those trees will stand

as a lasting witness

to the glory of the Lord.

Isaiah 55:12-13 (CEV)

In this chapter of Isaiah, the prophet is overcome with a vision of the world under grace, no longer under the curse of sin. The joy of being forgiven by God overwhelmed him. God is merciful and gracious to all who turn to him, and because of God’s faithfulness to keep his word, we can look forward to the eventual renewal and restoration of creation, no longer under the curse of sin but restored by God’s grace.

Jesus has already saved our souls and drowned us in his grace. Surely he will also take care of all the other things. Since God gave Jesus’ life as a sacrifice for us, will he not also put a roof over our heads at the right time?

One Army family looks at a PCS like a blind date with God. He has everything set up; they just need to show up. They fully expect he has it all worked out and are excited about seeing how he will do it.

This is how faith is built. It is good for faith to be practiced and exercised like a muscle. So take your kids on this journey by pointing out to them how God has already saved your souls and all the ways he is now taking care of you. Watch how he leads and praise him out loud for each step.

PRAY

Lord God, thank you for your forgiving grace. Everything else is minor compared to your saving us from our sins. These moves cause a lot of issues. We will do our part, but we also trust that you have us and will get us through. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What are you looking forward to in our next move?

Apply: When you have a to-do list for a move, pray over it with your family. Instead of just checking off each item, write or talk about how it helps you complete the tasks along the way. He is with you!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 30:21

Romans 8:32