This past week or so has been a time for me when I have been invited again to journey with a number of folks through some very difficult times. Some of those were walking through the valley of the shadow of death; some were dealing with the loss of significant relationships in their lives; some dealing with chronic pain; and still others dealing with stress in the work place. As I sat with each in their space it was as a light in the midst of darkness and a companion on the way. For some it was a time to talk about faith, to question where God was in the middle of this, and for others it was to name how they felt profoundly the presence of God in the journey.
This afternoon as I sat in the office my eyes fell on a book in my library “Out of the Ordinary” by Joyce Rupp. I picked it up and began to flip the pages. I came upon the piece , “ Leaning on the Heart of God” and my mind turned to all those who are struggling at the moment with any number of things in their lives, perhaps many of you who will receive this email or read this on my Blog. Joyce Rupp writes:
Leaning on the Heart of God
Accept the strength that comes from the grace of Christ Jesus ( 2 Timothy 2:1)
I am leaning on the heart of God
I am resting there in silence
All the turmoil that exhausts me
Is brought to bear on this great love
No resistance or complaint is heard
As I lean upon God’s welcome
There is gladness for my coming
There is comfort for my pain
I lean, and lean, and lean
Upon this heart that hurts with me
Strength lifts the weight of my distress
Courage wraps around my troubles
No miracle of instant recovery
No taking away of life’s burdens
Yet, there is solace for my soul
And refuge for my exiled tears
It is enough for me to know
The heart of God is with me
Full of mercy and compassion
Tending to the wounds I bear.
Joyce Rupp does a wonderful job of capturing what faith is about for me. It is knowing that my journey is one with God and that as the ups and downs of life move in and out on the tides I am never alone. When the burden seem heaviest just resting in a sacred space and allowing the Divine to hold me “ the strength lifts the weight of my distress”.
My prayer for you this day is that you might know that all encompassing love of God that holds your heart and provides solace for your soul, wrapping your troubles with courage and tending to the wounds you bear.
Blessings
Valerie