God Moments for the Grieving

Have faith in Him in all circumstances, dear people, open up your heart to Him: the True God shelters us in His arms. (Psalm 62:8 The Voice)

            From the podium, I studied the faces before me. I shared some of my grief journey with the Griefshare group at my church. I wanted them to know how God continues to show up even in grief. 

            My voice cracked a bit as I read one of the devotionals from my book. Ambushed by grief from the memories. The pain I saw in those in front of me broke my heart, but I knew they would also be ambushed by God’s glory. 

            While I explained about writing my book, they listened intently. Even though it was difficult to write the book, I wanted my story to encourage and comfort others. 

            Tears rolled down the face of a newcomer at the back of the room. I ached for her. When I finished, I gave a book to the leader for a man who had lost his wife and was having a hard time. 

            Then I walked to the crying lady. She opened her arms for a hug. After that, I gave her a copy of my book. God guided me there for those grieving people that I didn’t know.

            But God wasn’t finished.  

            In the foyer of the church, my friend, Linda, sat with another lady on a couch. She smiled and motioned for me to stop.

            “This is Maria,” Linda said. “This is her first time at Northland, and she was to meet some other widows.”

            “I was just sharing about my book at Griefshare,” I said.

            “I didn’t know you wrote a book. May I have one to share?” she asked.

            I handed her a book before she left to join her husband on stage for the service. She explained to the congregation about meeting Maria in the lobby.

            Maria and I began sharing our stories of losing a spouse. Her journey was newer than mine so I told her what I experienced. Tears came as we talked and hugged. 

            The ladies she was to meet never showed up. Later, she remembered that they had changed the meeting place that night. She forgot and came. We both knew that God brought us together for a specific time and purpose. We have been contacting each other by email and plan to meet again soon. 

            Over and over, God has placed people in my life who are grieving. Because of the pain I have endured and the comfort I have received, I am able to comfort and encourage others. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for using my pain to comfort others who struggle. Open my heart and eyes to see them. Amen

            

            

Frantic Frenzy

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV)

            Dark circles marred the floor of my porch. Armed with my broom, I headed to the invaders.

            Hours of rain prodded worms to escape the deluge and take refuge on my patio. However, being in the open on a concrete floor wasn’t a good alternative to the soaked ground for creatures that need moisture. 

            I swept several dried up worms toward the door. A few stuck like glue so I had to scrape them loose but bits of their remains left a residue. 

            When the broom touched a long, stretched out body, he moved. He twisted and turned frantically like he had been hit with an electric current. Each time I tried to pick him up gently, he went into a frenzy and fell off the paper I held. 

            Finally, I got him onto the newspaper and rushed to the door. When I put him down on the lawn, he returned to his outlandish gyrations before he slithered off and disappeared into the grass. 

            Even though I was saving him from the fate of his friends, he resisted. He fought against being rescued. He didn’t understand the plan, but I did. 

            That silly worm reminded me of the way we often fight against God. When life gets hard, we try desperately to fix it and reject God’s plans for us. We think we know best and struggle frantically. He knows the whole picture and works it out for us in His time. We need to relax, trust and rest in His care. 

Loving Father, even when we struggle against you, there is a plan for our lives. Help us trust that you will work it all out for our good. Amen

Hearing the Voice

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. (Exodus 19: 4-5 NKJV)

            A chorus of birds greeted me when I stepped onto my patio. As the sky transitioned from black to pale blue to pink, I delighted in the beauty and sounds of dawn.

            Amid the combination of songs, one overpowered the rest. Frantic screeching broke through the bird symphony. High pitched squeals joined in frantic conversation. 

            With the brightening sky, I identified their resting place. After studying the pine tree intently, I saw the flapping of two majestic bald eagles within the branches. They lifted their wings and soared above the forest. One landed briefly on the far shore of the lake. Then both disappeared into the sky. 

            As I pondered the wonderful sight, a sandhill crane bellowed nearby. More melodious songs continued as dawn turned into day. 

            If my neighbor hadn’t identified the eagle’s sound to me one day, I would have missed seeing the birds in the dim light. Without knowing it was an eagle, I would not have studied the tree nor watched for its flight. The magnificent duo would probably have passed me without me noticing them.

            What else have I missed when I was not listening for Him? When I pray, pay attention to Biblical teaching, and read the Bible, I am more attuned to what God is doing. Then I constantly notice Him in my life through His creation, His word, and in other people.   

            Likewise, when I open my heart and eyes, people appear before me who need a kind word, listening ear or a hug. A way for me to show the love of Jesus. 

Dear Lord, help me not be so self centered that I miss hearing You.  Open my eyes and heart to opportunities to share your love. Amen