I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt…
Would all go away if You’d just say the word…
But even if You don’t,
My hope is You alone!
Have you have found yourself pleading with Him to ‘just say the Word’?
I have… in tears and at times without the breath for the words to have sound, but they proceeded from my lips anyway…‘make it stop!’
But God responds much differently than what I want; His gentle voice reminds me “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” and then He kindly reminds me that “In those days when I pray, He will listen. And when I look for Him wholeheartedly, I will find Him… “I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14) He promises that this is just as true for me as it is for the nation of Israel… that He loves.
He goes on to remind me that He will stand in the fire with those who trust Him with their lives… ‘Even If’ that fire is stoked seven times hotter than whatever usual is! Trust me He says again ‘for you are able to do all things through the sustaining strength and grace I so willingly pour into your life… just open wide and I will fill you up as a cup overflowing’… just trust me He says again, I have your back, ‘Even If’ you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, don’t fear any evil, for I am with you, My Rod and My staff will comfort You. I am preparing what will sustain you in the presence of your enemies, my Spirit is all you need and He is enough. (Phil 4:13; Psalm 23)
I sit in silence… listening now, wanting to hear more. But He reminds me that I have His Word… open the book and read… consume my Word as daily bread and you will be content.
The words, ‘Even if you don’t’ still catch in my throat, but I am more assured of His promises now… until tomorrow morning when I sit silently listening for His voice again… There is Hope, and His name is Jesus!
Choose wisely….
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10:23)
Praying 4 U
Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.
