Health and Well-Being / I've Been Thinking / Spirituality

When you are hurting

Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Steadfast

The dictionary defines “steadfast” as: “fixed in direction; steadily directed: firm in purpose, unwavering, firmly established and firmly fixed in place or position.” Synonyms for steadfast are: “loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated, dependable, reliable, steady, true, constant, staunch, trustworthy.”

Let these words wash over you, rock you.

The love of Jesus for me, for you.

Dark days

Some days I crawl out of bed, face the day. I squint out the windows, peering at the blue sky, sunshine, the burgeoning warmth, and the hint of spring in the air. But, I don‘t feel it in my soul. My soul feels grey, uncoloured, dark. I go through the motions.

Lord, have mercy

A little later, in my room I listen to a podcast, a meditation. I breathe deep. Sigh. “Jesus,” I whisper, “Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy.”

The silence stretches gentle – in the hush I hear Him speak, “Come – receive my comfort.” 

The past week plays like a reel – My head is hurting. I am exhausted, my eyes heavy, tiredness throbbing. This has been a week of extremes, many differing circumstances. A roller coaster. Words spool like a thread spilling across the room: anxiety, hurt, disappointment, agony, worry, and anger. At the same time, these words too: relief, peace, blessings, joy, assurance, kindness. A see-saw, connection, disconnection, re-connection.

Grace

Above, over, and under – all around, there is grace. Not a felt sense of grace this time; only an awareness of it hovering.

I think back to when my children were small. We are at the park – they are playing on the swings; back and forth, high and low. Down the slide, at the bottom, I am there cheering them, “Come to Mommy, I am here, it’s okay, come on…” 

It strikes me with visceral force – this is my Saviour too.  He, always there. I swing back and forth, high and low, slide, careening down. He is there, calling me, watching over me. His voice reverberates, “Come, I am here, it’s okay, come on…” Oh, the mothering heart of God. Tenderly, He scoops me up carries me for a while, then puts me down. 

Never alone

We walk now, side by side. “It’s been a tough week,” He says, “No wonder you are blue, it’s okay. I am here. You were never alone. Never. Not for one moment.” He turns to me now, with a reassuring grin, “And, you’ll never ever be alone, my daughter. Not for one moment.” I smile back at Him. I can‘t help it. He is there, right beside me. We walk on. 

Whatever tomorrow brings. 

He is with me, with you.

Emmanuel.

God with us.

Always.