As Christians we are told it is wise to study scripture, to meditate on God's word and to plant His word deep in our hearts. When we are consistently doing the above, and then trials and circumstances enter our lives, we can use what truth we know to sustain ourselves and find peace and comfort. I could not agree more with these practices, but why is it always so hard to actually share these wise words when someone is hurting? I don't just mean hurting, I mean grieving.
Over the last several months I have lost my grandfather, Skip's grandmother, a dear friend and mentor of mine, relationships I once held dear and yet, despite all that, I have joy and peace like never before. I am not the problem right now.
I have friends and family who are deeply hurting. It ranges from losing a parent to finding out your child has been diagnosed with a questionable future, and a friend ending a relationship that she thought was her happily ever after. It truly breaks my heart that my words are empty when I try to give them an encouraging verse. I know The Word is not empty, but sharing what I feel God has laid on my heart is where it gets tricky. I don't know what they are going through. I may have dealt with similiar circumstances at times, but no one can truly feel another's pain. I try to remind them that God loves them more than they can imagine, yet when you are truly grieving, it isn't what they want to hear. They want you to just be there. I'm trying to just be there and listen, cry with them, or make a stupid meal if that will help. What I wish is that there were no pain in this world, that those I love could have every prayer answered and just go back to a time before the call, the diagnosis, or the sudden tragedy.
Time will heal so much I know, but I want to convey to my loved ones not to give up on turning to God during these times. He does have a plan and purpose for everything that happens, and He WILL use it for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
For now I'll continue to pray my heart out for them and ask God to specifically show himself good to them. I am praying for glimpses of heaven throughout their days and for joy to fill their hearts once again. I want their individual season of pain to stop and for there to be rest and assurance for their future. One particular friend is facing so much, I just can't believe how life is consistently hitting her so hard and from every angle. For this particular friend, please stop and pray for her now, just a quick prayer. She needs it so much.
If you are one, like many of my friends today, that is feeling hit from all angles of life and discouragement is beating you down, please know that God needs to be your source of comfort, of strength, and of peace. He is the only one who truly knows how you feel and can give you want you need to continue fighting the fight, as hard as it may be.
These are just some of the verses that God gave me today to share with you:
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
12 comments:
No one can ever really share another persons pain or joy. We do the best we can and mostly we hold them in prayer, which you are doing. The main thing is that they know you care and that you are there is they need you. HE truly is our only source.
Susan
the fact that you care so deeply must mean a lot to those around you. i know for me, i do not want to hear another scripture or be told that "it all works out for good". i just want someone to be there and to listen. and to pray. sounds like you are doing all those things.
i agree, i just want the pain and hurt to go away. unfortunately we have to live through this life first! but, oh , the wonderful lessons we learn along the way.
thanks for the verses (even though i say i don't want to hear them)
~sheryl
Done.
Susie,
You have such a dear, compassionate heart. A few years ago I went through the most difficult time in my life. My heart hurt so badly I couldn't even pray. Truthfully, I didn't want to pray. I don't think I even really wanted anyone to listen to me. What helped was knowing that while I couldn't pray, there were others who were praying for me.
In time, I found my way back. When I did, He wrapped His great arms around me and filled me with a peace that astounded me. The circumstances didn't and really have not changed. But He has a way of gently calling us back.
Your prayers, sweet girl, are a precious gift you can give to those who are hurting.
Prayer is the most beautiful thing Susie, and I know that you are faithfully lifting up your friends. Everyone's different, but for me, hugs...great big hugs have been a source of comfort. There's not too much we can say that one hug can't translate. Sort of like "God with skin on"! :0)
Thanks for your words of encouragement. Brought tears... Psalm 34:18 is good stuff!!
Hugs are always good. I wish I had one from you and I could give out all hugs to those you have metioned in your blog. My heart goes to each and everyone of them. Makes my frustations and worries seems so small.
Your words are beautifully written.
I feel very helpless sometimes too to say the right thing. Sometimes a hug goes a long way and an offer to pray.
It's funny, this past Wed I had my neighbor across the street tell me she is leaving her husband. She's not a believer and vocal about it. All I could do was look at her,shake my head, and cautiously tell her I would be praying for her. And I am. But the one thing I couldn't share with her was scripture. It's meaningless to her. And for that I was the most sad.
You've chosen three beautiful promises of God. Thanks for the reminder!
2008 has been an EXTREMELY difficult year for my family and me. I am thankful that through it all God was right there with me, giving me hope for a brighter future and for lessons learned. The entry you posted is a major source of encouragement for those of us who've really been through it this year and those who may have a difficult 2009. God is close to us and always will be!
Judy
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