Wednesday, April 17, 2013

And He Saved Them



My heart is heavy for so many families tonight. All week tragedy has filled my news feed and blasted from my television. I lay down in surrender, trusting that whatever happens around me, Jesus remains the same. In tragedy and loss, in heartache and sadness, in brokenness and grief, He offers comfort and peace the world cannot give.

When circumstances threaten to squeeze and strangle and take the very breath that fills our lungs, Jesus breathes life and gifts grace to trust Him even still.

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble (anxiety, bad news, danger, difficulty, concern, dilemma, grief, heartache, pain, sorrow, stress), and he saved (defended, freed, guarded, healed, protected, released, rescued, safeguarded) them from their distress (ache, affliction, anguish, anxiety, concern, disappointment, sadness, sorrow, suffering, worry)." Psalm 107:19

Though our hearts ache, the peace He promises is real. It doesn't make sense and I can't touch it with my fingers but my faith confirms its existence. As uncertainty abounds in this unstable, ever-changing world we live in we must remind ourselves our hope is not found here. Eternity rests in the very depths of our souls and we know this world is not our final destination.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

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Joining with Melissa Taylor and a community of women as we seek God and His word in our current Online Bible Study: Stressed - Less Living by Tracie Miles.

9 friends had this to say:

Missindeedy said...

I am praying for his comfort and healing, in this tragedy, as well. Living 45 minutes outside of Boston, we are struggling to help our children make sense of it all. I appreciated your heavy heart's cry to our Lord. Mine is joining yours.

Rebecca Jo said...

I said the same thing - what a week for us to be doing this study. What a time where the world is crying out in trouble.

Shelly said...

@Missindeedy and @Rebecca Jo...thank you both for your words this morning. Sharing this journey and seeking His face with each of you is an honor.

Kris D. (OBS Small Group Leader) said...

Missindeedy, I'm sorry you're so close and so affected by Boston.

Shelly, I love the way you write and I especially love how you added to Psalm 107:19. I think a lot of times we feel like we have to be in desperate trouble to call on the Lord, which isn't true--any of the definitions you offered fit into what God whats to help us with!

Mindy said...

Our hearts are heavy for the family and friends that were affected by this horrible, evil tragedy. We pray for all of America, especially those without the hope of Christ, to process this news and not to give up hope. Thank you for sharing your heart.

She Stands said...

Heavy heart for so many...Your post speaks volumes in comfort and love!!! Prayers for all.

Love you girl!
Stacey

Shelly said...

Kris...Thank you for offering your words here. You are a blessing!

Mindy...Linking arms with you and praying for our country right now. Thankful for your input here. Blessings!

Stacey...Thank you...love you,too, friend! xo

Being a Child of God..... said...

Finding and holding tight to Jesus is my focus during this time. Thanks for a great post.

Shelly said...

Yes, Dawn...He is our safe place. What a good God we serve. Thank you for visiting my place tonight :)