Ever feel like you are the only one who struggles with certain things?
I was speaking at a conference recently and everyone looked great. While I felt nervous, worried, and anxious, everyone else appeared to be moving along in life without a worry in the world.
That said, most of us assume no one else wrestles with the battles we fight, the worries we hide, the conflicts we face, or the doubts we have. Further, those assumptions cause us to feel isolated and lonely. Why reach out and share our pain with people who look great?
You Are Not Alone
I have some good news for you today. I looked over the results of a questionnaire I sent out to you recently and learned you and I have a lot in common. Thank you for being so authentic, honest, and open! What I learned is that, in spite of how we all may appear, we are wrestling with some very similar, very difficult issues. I can say, you are not alone when you:
- Worry about finances and what will happen to your loved one with disabilities when you are gone
- Live with chronic pain or compromised health
- Are afraid, lonely, and feel isolated
- Feel exhausted over the daily demands you’re juggling
- Don’t know how you will recover from people who have hurt or betrayed you
- Wonder if the church will ever accept your family
I could go on but the truth is, you and I live with challenges that are incredibly similar. You aren’t alone; you are in great company. In the upcoming months, we’re going to work together at “reframing” the things in life that have us bound—those issues that keep us from feeling God’s presence and resting in His promises.
Long ago, I wrote an article titled “Hope and Hiding Place.” I’m sharing part of it here because I want you to know there is hope for you . . . right where you are! There’s a reason we’ve come together, and I can’t wait to see what God does in and through each one of us. Here’s the piece I wrote back in 2009.
Hope and Hiding Place
There are certain days (weeks?) I wish I could crawl into a cave and stay there. At times like those, I find comfort in the poignant words of this hymn.
The Hiding Place
In a time of trouble, in a time forlorn,
There is a hiding place where hope is born.
In a time of danger, when our faith is proved,
There is a hiding place where we are loved.
There is a hiding place, a strong protective space,
Where God provides the grace to persevere;
For nothing can remove us from the Father’s love,
Tho’ all may change, yet nothing changes here.
In a time of sorrow, in a time of grief,
There is a hiding place to give relief.
In a time of weakness, in a time of fear,
There is a hiding place where God is near.[ref]From the hymn “The Hiding Place” words and music by Bryan Jeffery Leech. Copyright © 1973, 1974 by Fred Bock Music Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.[/ref]
Let Me Hear from You
This week, I would love for us to connect with one another. What fears have you been struggling with? Where are you discouraged? What has helped you in times of worry or doubt? Let’s come together as a community, encourage one another, and help each other find a place of rest and peace.
My Prayer for You Today
Lord, we ALL need You every day! We all face times of doubt, discouragement, physical and emotional pain, and inability to resolve conflicts. We can’t do this life without Your divine intervention. I ask You to provide strength, hope, and peace for each of us today. Lord, we place our trust in You today. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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