It’s time to deal with times when peace and grace are the most difficult in our lives. I’ve just received word that my number two sister is in the hospital yet again. This one is life threatening. She is 1800 miles away. And, last evening, we received word that one of our Covenant Group members died yesterday of renal failure and COVID which he contracted while in the hospital.
It’s a shock to the system, even for believers, where difficulties arise. While I have the peace, thanks to our Lord Jesus, that both are believers, I am shaken by the timing and the fact that there is little I can do. We did not know either was in the hospital, not that we could do anything about the situations, so neither one knows, or in his case, knew, the prayer warriors were holding them up before God’s throne, pleading for mercy. It’s an empty feeling.
So, how do we deal with each of these situations?
This is “My Psalm 172”. I wrote it in June of 2016 when I needed to express the same feelings I have today. Perhaps you can identify these places in your life’s walk as well:
There is a balm in Gilead where the sin-sick
And world-weary can go to find succor, healing, and rest.
And beside the still waters, You lead me still
To restoration and revelation of Your mercy and love.
Ad perhaps, when my weary feet can gain the altitude,
You’ll lead me once again to the hills
From whence comes my strength.
There glimpses of the horizon reveal hope,
Inspire me to continue climbing
Until I regain my composure,
Because You lift me up. You let me see Your glory.
Ad when i am ready, when You know I can bear
To learn the teachable lessons You have prepared
For my soul to learn, You will lead me where I dare not go
Where the path is rocky, the borders jagged
The twists and turns terrify. New trials I fear considering
Where confusion, defeat, and despair
Bring dimming tears to steal my vision,
Where I tread with fear that I will stumble.
I may fall, and lose my precious dignity.
There You will tell me again of Your love and mercy
When I most need You to reach me where I am.
Your grace will be sufficient for that day
Even as it is for this day’s sorrow.
I’ll know Your eternal Presence,
Your merciful healing balm.
All things will be made new: No more tears
When I rest in Your loving arms, the balm of Gilead.
Because of Your eternal love and mercy
I can pray in the Blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.
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