SILENT SUFFERING

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Have you ever had the kind of hurt that burrows way down to the deepest part of your soul, and then just sits there? It’s a silent type of suffering - one that hurts more perhaps, than the ones known to others. It’s silent because you just don’t feel you can share it. If you did, you’d be exposing yourself. Then your issue would become more a topic of gossip fodder perhaps, than one leading to prayerful outreach from others.

I believe that silent suffering is the suffering closest to God’s heart. For it’s during those deep moments of anguish that the soul is poised to tap into His mercy and grace.

When nobody cares, He does.

When there’s nowhere to turn, He’s there.

When no one else knows, He’s over every detail.

This morning as I read through The Beatitudes in Matthew 5, I was struck with that place of silent suffering. And I realized that Jesus gets it. He gets every morsel of the angst, sadness, remorse, confusion, and unsettling emotions of the suffering place, however it looks in your life. My epiphany came at the moment I realized that at the beginning of every low place . . . is the blessed place!

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right.

Blessed are you when people insult you because you follow Me.

Friend, take a moment and realize that Jesus is with you in the middle of your suffering. Draw near to Him, allowing His comfort to touch your heart and ease your pain.

He know. He cares. He blesses . . . as you turn to Him.

“The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” - (Psalm 34:18 HCSB)

 

JOY CHALLENGE; BRING IT ON!

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JOY CHALLENGE; BRING IT ON!

I’ve thought a lot about joy lately, how to share it and how to keep it stirred up inside of me. Thinking about bringing joy to God has encouraged me to behave in ways I know would please Him. I love a challenge, and especially one that makes me a better person.

I also love TEAMWORK. That’s why I’m tossing this challenge right back to YOU. Below you’ll find the steps for joining in. I hope you’ll embrace this little summons to joy, allowing it to attack some negative thinking (at least for a day, maybe longer).

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Calm...

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Several years ago the truth I discovered in Psalm 91:1 transformed my thinking and changed my life.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm91:1 Amplified)

Stable and fixed is certainly the cry of my heart. And it’s not just about me. Being more peaceful on the inside helps me be a better wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. And . . . being cool, calm, and collected even helps me accomplish more for the Lord.

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