I pour out my complaint before him, I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit is faint, thou knowest my way! Psalm 142:2-3
We were in a crowded restaurant a group of us, and despite the pain I knew she carried in her heart, her smile as she animatedly chatted away, lit up the room as it always does. No one would have guessed how much she was suffering. As I looked around I thought of something I often told my kids as they were growing up, in an effort to get them to understand the difficulties someone they knew was going through at the time, or when they thought what they were experiencing applied to them alone. “Everyone has a story!” I would tell them. And I found myself looking at the people around us in the restaurant on that particular night, wondering what “story” might be being discussed that very moment at those various tables.
Each one of us has personal issues we carry in our hearts and choose to hold within for many reasons. Perhaps it may be we do not want to burden others, or our pride prevents us from seeking the counsel of trusted people, and then sometimes we just do not know which way to turn. The why doesn’t really matter. Unfortunately though, the worry and despair from carrying burdens alone creates a measure of isolation along with a sense of loneliness, and often the self-pity it produces. An already troubling situation has the propensity of becoming even more problematic in so many areas.
But Scripture tells us we are not alone with our troubles! If we were the last person on earth, still we would not be alone. God is always with us and we can turn to Him instantly during moments of uncertainty, in times of great need, and in times of joy. What comfort in knowing that He hears us as we pour our hearts out to Him! What comfort in knowing He is watching over us, that He is a constant loving presence! And as always, through the people in our lives whom He directs to do His work on this earth, we are lifted up! What a blessing!
He is our Father, our Abba, who wants to help us and wants to bring us closer to Him. When a chapter in you story becomes troublesome, and your spirit is weary, try as best you can to reach out and reach up in prayer! God will renew your spirit and give you the strength, understanding and the knowledge needed to go forward, to stay on the path toward a full, happy, and everlasting life.
Thank you God for the loving people you have given us, who care, who help carry our burdens and lift our spirits; treasured “friends” who bring us closer to you in this story of our lives. Abba, Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson