Presence
By Elizabeth
Cole
“The LORD is
close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm
34:18 (NIV)
You know those times where everywhere
you look there is joy and ease? Those times of easy laughter and delight in all
being just as it ought to be? This has not been one of those weeks.
You know those times when the losses
are heartrending and senseless? Those times when you search for a word sadder
than sad? This has been one of those weeks.
Both close and from afar this week, I
have borne witness to loss of life, loss of a dream, and loss of international
ministry due to moral failure. It’s a week of deep disappointment.
Wise counselors have said that when
it seems that everything has changed and gone sideways in our lives, we need to
rehearse what hasn’t changed; state the facts that are still true, despite all
that has happened. Say what you know that you know. So here’s a start.
We know that we know:
Our God is present. …he
has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b; I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for
he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8
(NLT)
Our God gives us presents
of hope, encouragement and strength. May our
Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace
gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and
strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16
Our God has a future for us beyond
the present. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for
the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also
gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a
loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people!
He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with
them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more
death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:1-4 (NLT)
GOING DEEPER:
1. Keep adding to this list. What do
you know that you know to be true, even in the midst of brokenheartedness?
FURTHER READING:
Elizabeth
is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and two sons-in-law. She is the
Director of Connecting and of We Women at Oakwood Church.
