Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels.com
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
The year of 2022 has been a tough one. The year brought the death of both parents in March due to Covid, Mom on a Wednesday and Dad the next day, followed by the loss my younger sister in August. I know where they are now, rejoicing in Heaven, and I am joyful they are together.
Not long after my sister passed, my husband and I took a much needed trip. The trip was partially for researching a new series I am writing, but also to visit family and rejuvenate my own soul. I traveled with a slowly mending heavy heart, taking in the many glorious displays of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I researched caverns, countryside towns, and visited with family.
It was on the return trip that it happened. We stopped to eat and take a break from our long hours of driving. Traveling with our miniature schnauzer required us to find an outdoor eating venue. Fortunately we located one on our route.
That is where I saw her. A woman sat at an outdoor table with her young daughter. The woman was clearly troubled and did not interact much with her young daughter but was intensely focused looking down, troubled, and frantically shaking her crossed leg. The young daughter ate her meal in silence. The mother ate nothing and only had a cup of coffee before her on the table.
My heart cried for her. She was troubled by something very heavy on her heart. My own mourning heart wanted to reach out to her and tell her she was loved and that God had her back. I wanted to pray with her. I was momentarily interrupted by our waiter, and quickly studied the menu. After placing my order, I looked back to see another waiter collecting the money left on the table where the woman had been sitting with her daughter.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Maybe it was because my own heart was too wounded, I was not able to go to the troubled woman immediately. Yet seeing her reminded me how much God loves us all. It reminded me that by seeking God myself, my own heart would be strengthened. It was also the first time in many months I was able to look outside my mourning and know God needs me to move on and finish my work for Him. We are all needed to bring comfort to others who are suffering, lonely, anxious, or worried. That is part of what Christians do: comfort those in need. We can let others know they can take refuge in Him.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7
With time, my heart has become stronger. And with this strength, I now pray for boldness and courage. I pray to move more quickly when I see someone in need. I know God will provide strength and boldness when I ask Him to do so.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Follow my blog.