I had a great devotion today. A dear friend sufferred a massive stroke about 10 days ago and the medical prognosis is grim. My heart is so heavy for her family. My heart is so heavy for me. She is a mother, homeschooler, in charge of our church nursery, etc. She has her fingers in most everything I'm involved in. Because of that, the impact is big.
Yesterday, on the way home from dropping something off at the hospital, I told Lauren that I just felt the urgency to pray for her continuously. She responded, "I know, pray and hurt, pray and hurt. It's awful." She's so right. It hurts, and I'm praying. It hurts, and I'm praying. It's awful.
Then, today, I open my email and here's my devotional. It's about a pregnant woman who lost her husband. The situation is different but there's sadness and hurting and just a crying out to the Lord for mercy and direction and comfort.
If God chooses to take her home, she'll be in a much better place and I certainly don't want her to linger and suffer here. Psalm 23 was a comfort today. Thank you, Lord.
Dear Lord, sometimes my stress feels so heavy I think I can't go on. I have no breath or life left in me. But Your Word says that You make me lie down in green pastures. And Your goodness and love will follow after me. Oh, how Your Word refreshes my soul and renews my spirit. Be my strength; be my rest; be my ever-present help under pressure. With You, I can make it through. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Recall each and every time God has shown goodness to you under pressure. Thank Him by writing out a prayer, song or poem. Keep it so that the next time you find yourself under stress, you can trust and watch for a sign of goodness.
Reflections:
How do you lean on God's mercy during times of pressure?
How can trusting God with your stress bring peace to your life?
Power Verses:
Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want." (NIV)
Psalm 23:2, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters," (NIV)
Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (NIV)
2 comments:
I'm praying for your friend, and for you. I know it is so difficult, but when you give to others God gives back. Thanks for sharing the devotional.
Your words about our friend are echoed in my heart. Pray and hurt. Hurt and pray. Thank you Lord for your mercies. They are new every morning.
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