A Baby, the Empty Nest & the Promise
by Sarah Holley
Nearly 27 years ago, we brought home our first child from the hospital. He was less than a day old and I recall wondering if the nurses and doctors knew what they were doing—sending us home with him. I had a sudden overwhelming lack of confidence. Yes, I had babysat plenty of times in my life, and yes, I was generally a responsible individual, and yes, I was a certified adult. But I did not feel ready.
Now 27 years later, after raising and launching three kids into adulthood, my husband and I are officially empty nesters. We’ve been dabbling in this stage for several years as our kids were in college and home from college, saving as they started new jobs. Now, all three are established in their careers, and one is married. It’s just the two of us.
(And don’t tell my kids, but it’s good.)
But it’s also sad, at times. I find myself missing the commotion. And I find myself enjoying the peace and quiet.
Moving into new seasons of life can be unsettling. Just like becoming a first-time mom. Missing the former, hopeful for the future, but a little uncertain.
Moving into new seasons of life can be unsettling. Just like becoming a first-time mom. Missing the former, hopeful for the future, but a little uncertain.
Will we be lonely?
Will our kids want to visit?
How will we spend our time?
What does God want of me in this new season?
NEW SEASONS
Perhaps one of Jesus’ names can provide strength during new phases of life.
Isaiah introduces this prophecy of Jesus:
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Meaning “God with us,” Immanuel suggests a profound reality. The God of the universe, the Creator of everything we see (and don’t see), the Most High God, the Almighty came down to earth to be with us.
He didn’t have to come down.
He could have chosen another way.
But He wanted to be with us.
BETTER THAN “WITH US”
Jesus is the exact representation of God and demonstrated His love for us in rescuing us from the death sentence that our sinful nature imposed on us.
But He didn’t stop there! While we have a future hope of eternal life when we receive His salvation, He also promises us abundant life now.
How, you ask?
When Jesus was nearing His death, He told His disciples a most remarkable thing:
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
John 16:7
Too often, we think that it would be so much easier if Jesus were with us in physical form—to guide us and comfort us. It would be simpler if we could hear His audible voice. But He tells us that the Holy Spirit (the Helper) is better than His physical presence.
He was bound by time and space, but the Holy Spirit isn’t.
The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, so that’s why the Bible calls us the temple of the Holy Spirit.
This is a profound reality! It’s glorious! We have the Almighty God living within us. The Most High is a breath away. The Comforter dwells within us.
NOTHING TO FEAR
It’s no wonder that God tells us to not fear! And usually He follows that command with…I will be with you. Why should we fear anything when the Creator lives in us?
We are not alone.
We are not abandoned.
We are not without help, guidance, instruction.
Whatever season we are in—singleness, a struggling marriage, a new parent, empty nesters, old age—our God remains a faithful constant in an ever-changing world.
- We say: I don’t know what I’m doing. God says: I will be with you.
- We say: I don’t know how to move forward. God says: I will be with you.
- We say: I don’t know what to do next. God says: I will be with you.
- We say: I’m scared. God says: Fear not. I will be with you.
A DIFFERENT LIFE
Because of this reality, our lives should look different from the rest of the world. When we know whose we are and spend time with the Spirit, we will be filled with love, joy, hope, peace, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, righteousness.
We can live lives of power—through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can live lives of power—through the power of the Holy Spirit.
How, you might ask? What does this look like in practice?
Practicing the presence of the Holy Spirit takes…practice!! It can be challenging to stay aware of the Holy Spirit always being with you, especially since He’s a Spirit! I know that is obvious, and that’s why I love how Francis Chan, in his book You and Me Forever, encourages his reader to imagine Jesus sitting right with you or walking beside you. Since we know Jesus was in physical form, maybe it’s easier to use our “holy imagination” and picture Him with us.
How would my attitude change if I knew Jesus were with me?
How would I act?
As I said, this takes practice. Maybe it’s a matter of starting the day by asking the Lord to make you aware of His presence and then follow up by setting alarms on your phone to remind yourself throughout the day. Then when your alarm sounds you can spend a few minutes thanking Him for being with you and ask for His wisdom, power, strength, comfort, etc. in whatever situation you find yourself. The more you practice, the more aware you become.
Imagine what your life would look like right now if you lived in that reality—trusting God to provide you with exactly what you needed for each moment. Would you live more fearlessly or experience more hope and joy?
This Christmas season—and whatever other season you find yourself in—join me in starting a new habit of enjoying the reality of Immanuel, God with us.
About Sarah
Sarah Holley is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author. Her first book, Jesus, the Ultimate Ladies’ Man, released last year and is available on Amazon:
When she’s not speaking at a women’s event, she loves being with her family (husband and three grown kids), playing pickleball or disc golf, baking, or watching British TV. You can connect with her at SarahHolleySpeaks.com.