It’s one of the most heartbreaking feelings – when a door slams shut and a chapter of your life comes to an abrupt close. The hopes, dreams, and plans you had are suddenly shattered. You’re left with a mix of confusion, disappointment, and maybe even anger.
I’ve been there, friend. That gut-punch of realizing something you were so sure of is no longer part of God’s plan for your life. The questions swirling in your mind: Why, God? What am I supposed to do now? How do I move forward from here?
The Emotions of a Closed Door
The emotions that come with a closed door can be overwhelming. Sadness over the loss of what could have been. Frustration at the lack of understanding. Anxiety about the unknown future stretching out before you.
It’s okay to feel all of those things. To grieve the dream that didn’t come to fruition. To cry out to God with your hurt and your questions. He can handle your raw honesty.
As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Trusting God’s Plan
As hard as it is, we have to choose to trust that God’s ways are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:9). That even when it doesn’t make sense to our finite minds, He has a perfect plan.
The door may have slammed shut, but that’s because God has something better in store. A new chapter that will ultimately bring Him more glory and draw you closer to His heart.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
It’s not easy, but we can choose to have faith that this closed door will lead to new opportunities and blessings we can’t even imagine yet. Our God is the God of redemption, and He can make beauty from the ashes of our disappointments.
Embracing the Next Chapter
While the grief is still fresh, it’s okay to take time to heal and process. To sit in the valley for a little while. But don’t let yourself get stuck there.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Ask Him to give you fresh vision for the new chapter He has for you. And when the time is right, be willing and open to embrace that next season with courage and trust.
The road ahead may feel uncertain, but you can be confident that your loving Heavenly Father is going before you. He has purpose in this pain and will use it for your good and His glory if you let Him.
So dry your tears, sweet friend. This isn’t the end – it’s just the start of a new beginning with our faithful God.
Living Life with a Purpose 