The last few weeks have been heavy at work and with some friends walking through hard things. Day after day I am struck by the challenges and hurt that people around me are facing. When considering how to support one friend specifically the idea to send her some daily mini-devotions/notes came to mind. As I started writing them though, I realized I needed many of these messages too and so did so many others I’ve interacted with recently. So here we are, back on the blog after a decent amount of time away, hoping to speak life and hope to myself and anyone else who may need it.
Dear Friend,
I see you. The one wondering if healing will come. You’ve prayed. You’ve hoped. You’ve done everything that is within your control and yet, there is much that is outside your control too. Healing also takes time which is so frustrating. I see the weariness that comes when seeking healing not just in your body but in your heart. That’s sometimes the harder one too, isn’t it? You’ve tasted abundant life before and know this, right now, isn’t it. You long for joy, peace, and wholeness and are starting to wonder if that’s even possible. I see you. More than that, God sees you. Hear His word for you today:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
Speak to your soul, dear friend, and remind it what is true about our God. He is a God of forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, and renewal. It’s what He does and who He is. He can’t not bring that about in our lives. Healing doesn’t always come in the time and way we hope for or desire but it is coming. Remind your soul of that today and let God sustain you until your healing comes.
Daniel chapter 3 describes when Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the idol the King set up. They had been threatened with being thrown into the furnace and this was their reply: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to You, Your Majesty, we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18. (Emphasis added)
Nicole Zasowksi has a great quote related to this story about that tension often between hoping for God to act but not knowing if he will do it in the way we expect.
“Daniel 3 has a prescription for an expectant heart—not a demand rooted in our desires but a belief that blooms from an intimate and right relationship with Christ…. When faced with a future that was unknown and seemed perilous, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego offer examples of what it looks like to have an expectant heart: We know that God can. We believe that He will. And even if He doesn’t, we still trust His goodness.”
So dear friend, on this day where you long for healing but aren’t sure if it will come, speak this truth in prayer.
God, I know you can heal me. I am believing and trusting that you will. But even if you don’t, I won’t bow down to the gods of despair and hopelessness. You alone are God and You will give me all I need whether healing comes in the way and timing I desire or not. Hold me in that grace today. Amen!
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