I remember sitting in the Dr's office one day and my very wise Dr. saying " Donna, the way you feel today is not forever". I found it hard to believe at the time, but she was right. I feel great now. The struggles that I face are not my own, but they sure affect me.
As I sat yesterday and wrote in my journal for awhile and simply reflected on what these last number of months has been for me. Difficult, frightening, exhausting, heartbreaking are the words that come to mind. I wish the list were different, but I would be lying.
Dealing with loved ones, struggling with addictions is nothing short of heart-wrenching. Watching them struggle, one bad day after another, knowing where addiction has taken others in my family, leads my heart down a dark path.
Psalm 121 has been the Psalm I have quoted and leaned into on the darkest of days. " For I look onto the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from God, maker of heaven and earth."
I take comfort because we serve a Savoir who did not rise just a little bit, but rose indeed! He conquered death and He is all powerful, He is mighty to save. He reaches into the lowest hell and walks down the darkest allleys and is not afraid or turned off by the brokeness He finds there. Psalm 23 reminds us that He is a Good Shepherd, in this there is comfort and hope. Both of these things brings me rest for my soul.
Whatever your burden today, chin up! God is big enough and loves you and is willing to carry all that weighs your heart down today.