Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger. (v. 12)
ETERNAL LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
My family and I have gone through a crisis recently. The emotional toll has, at times, been nearly unbearable. I never knew that emotional pain could be so incredibly physical, that it could sit on your chest and not allow you to breathe. I didn’t think I could make it through the next five minutes, let alone the day, or worse, the week. It seemed everyone was passing me by. Even though they tried to help, my darkness was my own -- and my children’s. The life they knew was yanked out from underneath them, and they, too, slid into darkness.
After many weeks of darkness, the emotional toll was affecting our physical health. We were so tired. One night I put my son to bed very early. When I woke him the next morning, he was still exhausted. He had dark circles under his eyes and he looked pale, yet he smiled peacefully. I hadn’t seen that smile in a long time. I told him I couldn’t believe he was so tired; he had slept 12 hours. He sleepily replied, "You would be tired, too, if you had spent the whole night walking and talking with God."
"What?" I asked in surprise. He told me that he had spent the night walking by God’s side and talking to him about how hard life had been lately. Completely captivated, I asked him what God had said. He smiled that beautiful smile of his and informed me God had said that the three of us would be fine. That he would be with us to help us get through these hard times and that we weren’t alone. Then, with a chuckle, he let me know that God had played soccer with him, too, and God was pretty good!
Now when I feel myself sliding back into the darkness, I remember what God told my son. His words of encouragement are throughout the Bible. He will never leave you. He will be there in your darkest moments. He is your light, your salvation, your peace and your strength. My children and I will make it through this. My experience is a journey in faith. I continue to put my trust in God, and he continues to pull us through. He provides people along the way to offer help and strength.
Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who are suffering and feel alone. Please grant them peace and comfort in knowing that you are there providing for their needs, walking beside them, and giving them the strength to face the next five minutes, the day, and the future. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Julie Hansen
