Abandoned, Ripped and Scattered

 Abandoned, Ripped and Scattered

Rebecca Carpenter      

September 24, 2025

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God^[c];
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people;

 pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

Hymns filled my car with soothing music as I drove to church early on Sunday. A number of cars joined me. 

            Soon after getting onto the interstate, I noticed a totally out of place boat resting in the grass beside the road. 

            About a mile further, an empty car sat on the shoulder. Before my exit, I noticed six more vehicles abandoned along the highway as cars whizzed by. 

            In three spots, rubber fragments littered the road from blown tires. 

            A steady stream of traffic passed by the boat, cars and debris but no one stopped to check them out. We all kept going to our destinations. Maybe most drivers hardly noticed. 

            The boat made me think of those who feel out of place. Perhaps trying to fit in but never succeeding. Each car reminded me of people abandoned by loved ones, friends, co-workers ... The tire remnants evoked memories of broken lives scattered and ripped apart. 

             

            Over the years, I have had times of each scenario; feeling out of place, abandoned and ripped apart. However, God has been with me, held me close and offered unconditional love.  

            My faith has grown during my tribulations. Because of what I have experienced, I can understand and comfort people who are hurting and grieving. 

As Christians we can influence people as we faithfully serve with the love of Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us in our hardships. Lead us in the way you want us to go. Increase our faith and help us be more like Jesus.

Amen