“The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Loss. Sometimes the pain of loneliness is beyond words. People we love are taken away from us, or betray us and disappoint us. Sometimes when these close relationships are ripped apart, it can be hard to see how faithful God is, and the pain of life gets in the way of our living. Our world is shaken up, our foundations torn away. Laughter gives way to silence.
Consider Elijah’s encounter:
"…Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after he fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then came a voice to him that said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'” (1 Kings 19:11-13)
Consider the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Christ Himself taught us. God has chosen to step into time through Jesus in order to teach us to call Him our Father. He yearns to be with us, to conquer death for us, to conquer the trials of our broken hearts. He waits for us to step out to the edge, to face the silence, where the strength of His presence waits for us…where the strength of His presence waits for you.
Father, Abba, you know my needs and my struggles intimately, better than I myself know them. You know the pain that I feel, pain that cannot be described in words. Please heal me. Please embrace me with the might of Your love. Please be with me in this silence. Amen.
Take Action
Take a moment to reflect on those who may have hurt you. Take a moment to reflect on those you may have hurt. Pray for them. Draw near to God in your prayer.
Meditate on the Lord's Prayer using The Prayer God Longs For