Saturday, December 10, 2016

The needs we don't always see...


December isn't a happy month of celebration for everyone.

There are those among us - neighbours, work associates, family and friends - whose lives will be shattered without warning in the midst of Christmas preparations. Others must face a first anniversary of loss, and even more will be confronted by yet another year of sorrowful reminders, relational estrangements and the anxiety of re-lived anguish. 

Would you pause with me today and pray for them, that they would feel the strength of Heavenly arms lifting them in loving comfort and drawing them close to God's heart? 
For He catches their every tear and He hears our every prayer, and though they must still walk through the valley of this difficult season, His protective shield of strength and comfort can carry them moment by moment.

Perhaps you are one of these dear souls whose heart is fragile and aching?

Dear heart, know that right now, all around the world, you are being lifted before God, before the very throne of grace from where all comfort flows. 

If I could reach through this screen and hug you I would, because I do understand loss and sorrow and continued grief over many years and how especially difficult it is when celebrations are upon us, but that's not possible so 'tis only these words I have from my heart to give you.

You will get through this. You will pass through this valley and you will see the clouds part and the sun shine through again. It may not be today, tomorrow or next month, but it will happen. 

The valleys do come and go over time, dark stormy seasons loom again and again, but they will always pass because Light dispels the darkness, even a flicker. 
This is what I always tell myself when I'm so lost in the darkness that there seems no way out - "Jenny, this too shall pass...ride this out like a wild storm on the sea...remember the calm and remember that it will come again...hold on to Jesus and trust He's right here with you even though you can't see Him or hear Him or feel Him...remember the Light...the dawn is coming again."

What helps me may or may not help you. 
You may need to speak to someone about your darkness and if it's swirling you into a place that's scary then please reach out, don't try and go it alone. 
You are so unique, individual and exclusive, and your experience is also unique to you alone because it is bound up in the experiences of your whole life, not a single instance. 

Pray, seek God...reach out if you need more. Don't be silent. Don't live in fear, or anxiety.

Father God,
You know every heart reading this today, intimately, inside and out, every moment of their life from sorrow to joy. 
Lord, we join together in prayer to ask that Your merciful love would fill and surround and comfort each hurting soul today and through December, that your Holy Spirit would strengthen them as they walk their valleys, that they would clearly see Your Light every step of the way so that they would not be frightened or anxious or overwhelmed. 
Fill them with peace that surpasses all understanding and grace beyond human measure. May kindness and thoughtfulness be shown to them each day, and if they have needs that cannot be expressed please send your servants to fill those needs. 
And Lord, teach all of us to be more like Jesus so that we can help those in need and not be so caught up in our own lives that we are blind to the suffering of others. 
In Christ we pray,
Amen.

hugs



16 comments:

jangunter@live.com said...

Amen <3

Deborah said...

Amen! Thanks Jenny.

Elaine said...

Dear Jenny, You had me at Dear Heart, That is what my friend Mary used to call me. I hope you don't mind that my heart spoke your message to me in her voice.
I needed this from both of you - you, dear Jenny, bravely riding the internet waves and Mary in the great cloud of witnesses.
I've been at sea in a hurricane and I've sailed in perfect weather so this really grabbed my attention. Thank you for this precious gift.
Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Elaine

Guida said...

What a wonderful soul you are Jenny. Peace and happiness be with you and everyone else who needs it. Guida

ljeanne said...

Thank you for remembering those of us who struggle during the holidays.

nancy n. said...

Thank you for your beautiful words. You brought comfort to me. My son has cancer and I have been in a valley for almost two years. I pray so hard for him daily and hope I can get out of the valley and see the light. Please know that your beautiful did help a little,
xo

Baa. xxx said...

Thanks Jenny - so beautiful put. I have a big prayer list right now of friends and others who need God's calm and peace.

Sandy said...

Thank you so much Jenny for the comforting words. It's been a year since losing my mom to lung cancer. I still have days of sorrow but I feel I'm getting through with Gods help. I truly enjoy your stitching and the comforting inspiration you give. Again. Thank you for all you do.

Unknown said...

God bless you richly Jenny. A loving and kind soul you are.... Merry Christmas, Roxie

Kristy said...

Jenny- Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. They have hit me and helped me feel loved by you and Jesus. God has gifted you with compassion, love and a deep understanding of grief. It is helping me face my grief and move to a better place. Thank you so much. May you be blessed today. You are loved. K-

Maureen said...

Dear Jenny, your words are a gentle balm to my soul. May the peace that you pray for others be yours a hundredfold.

Brenda said...

Good Morning Jenny! Thank you so very much for sharing this deep and thoughtful post full of so much meaning and love ( I very seldom can say what I mean the way that you can so brilliantly,thoughtfully, with love and honest feelings and the Lord holding your hand and guiding you). I have a very special person I will be sharing this with. Have a spectacular day! I love you through the miles that separate us but with only a step because of the Lord!

Anonymous said...

Amen, dear Jenny. For you , too.

Createology said...

Amen and thank you dear Jenny for this beautiul and heartfelt post. <3

Jackie said...

Amen.

Winifred said...

Lovely post Jennifer. It is one of the most difficult times of the year for many people. Even though years pass the hurt and pain of loss is still there but you cope as you say with God's help.