This has been a week full of sad news from friends, of heavy hearts for Africa, of laying requests before God. I've sat here in my chair in the mornings, overwhelmed and unsure how to pray.
This week's Psalm in my prayer book is Psalm 46. And I was struck this morning by verses 1-2:
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though...
...AIDS kills and children are orphaned and alone
...a child dies in his sleep
...pregnancies end in loss
...a dog runs away and is killed
...children have cancer
...friends move away
...whatever we may be facing is happening
...and we don't understand why.
God is an ever-present help. We are not alone because he is Immanuel, God with us. And so in the midst of it all, I'm praising God for his "with us-ness" and am asking him simply to be who he is. To be a refuge and strength and help in all these situations. To make himself known for who he is in a tangible way today.
I appreciate your willingness to share with us your deep thoughts. I learn from you.
Posted by: angela | July 09, 2008 at 06:38 AM
Oh Joanne,
Praying for you and your family today...there are phases in life where it only can be summed up as unbearably sad and overwhelming...you are not alone.
I pray that as you continually take your emotions and heart to the Lord that you would be like Jehoshaphat and say...that you do not know what to do but your eyes are on Him...there are so many spiritual, physical,mental and emotional battles that we all face each and every day. How blessed that we have One that is constantly searching the four corners of the earth to strengthen us as we keep our hearts committed to Him...
May you know peace today and may you allow Him to comfort your tender heart...a heart that has been carved by Him and therefore is like His...His heart breaks as well.
Helen
Posted by: Helen | July 09, 2008 at 09:33 AM
His absolute Sovereignty is where I find my strength...my Joy. He never, ever changes no matter how the world does. God bless you, sweet sister.
Posted by: mzzterry | July 09, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Thanks for that bit of truth today, Joanne. Sometimes life seems to big to handle. I'm sooo glad He handles it for us.
Posted by: Angie | July 09, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I understand Joanne. I have felt those same things lately. The needs around me just seem so overwhelming - let alone the needs throughout the world. I have imagined myself taking those needs and placing them in the hands of the Father and then trusting in His mercy, widom and grace to meet them. I want so much for my brothers and sisters who are suffering in other places, whom I have never met, to know that there are those who are praying for them. I believe somehow they will.
Posted by: Linda | July 09, 2008 at 05:55 PM
That is so true. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts. God's constancy is so comforting - I don't think I will ever be able to fathom just how deep our God's love is.
Posted by: Sarah | July 26, 2008 at 04:04 PM