In the Sunday school class I've been attending, we have been studying Hebrews. What a comfort to know our Savior faced weakness and suffering just as we do. He understands our weakness and sympathizes with us. This gives us confidence to approach the throne of grace boldly so that we may find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Jeremy Camp sings a song that I love: He Knows.
All the bitter weary ways
Endless striving day by day
You barely have the strength to pray
In the valley low
And how hard your fight has been
How deep the pain within
Wounds that no one else has seen
Hurts too much to show
All the doubt you're standing in between
And all the weight that brings you to your knees
[Chorus:]
He knows
He knows
Every hurt and every sting
He has walked the suffering
He knows
He knows
Let your burdens come undone
Lift your eyes up to the one
Who knows
He knows
He knows
We may faint and we may sink
Feel the pain and near the brink
But the dark begins to shrink
When you find the one who knows
The chains of doubt that held you in between
one by one are starting to break free
[Chorus]
Every time you feel forsaken
Every time that you feel alone
He is near to the brokenhearted
Every tear
He knows
He knows
Publishing: © 2014 Capitol CMG Genesis / Stolen Pride Music (ASCAP) (Admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) / CentricSongs / 2 Hour Songs (SESAC) (Admin. at Music Services) Writer(s): Jeremy Camp and Seth Mosley
It is a great comfort to know that He knows and understands. He weeps with us when we weep and He rejoices with us in our good times.
Have I ever had the shadow of a reason to doubt the Father's goodness? Hasn't his lovingkindness been marvelous? Has He ever once failed to justify my trust? God has never left me at any time. I have had dark nights, but the star of love has shone out amid the blackness; I have been in tough battles, but over my head He has held high the shield of my defense. I have gone through many trials but never to my detriment, always to my advantage. The conclusion from past experiences is that He who has been with me in six troubles will not forsake me in the seventh. (Adapted from Morning and Evening by Charles Haddon Spurgeon)
In spite of the difficulty of what I'm going through, God is good - always.
This a beautiful time of year and I'm grateful for the opportunity I had on Tuesday to hike with a friend. We went to the Brendan T. Byrne state forest, parking at the ranger station, then hiking three miles to Pakim Pond. I love this hike through the Pine Barrens, through mostly red pines and oak trees, but there's one section that has many Atlantic white cedar trees.
Pakim Pond was absolutely stunning reflecting the brilliant blue of the sky. After hiking to the pond, we had to hike another 3 miles back to the car. It was perfect weather for a walk in the woods: not too hot, not too cold.
On Saturday, I drove up to spend the afternoon and evening with Christy and her family. She was busy in the kitchen all afternoon, cooking and baking. The kids and I kept her company, but we played games while she worked. Claire cracks me up. Even as young as she is, she is a smart little card shark. I don't know how she does it, but she easily beats me most of the time - and it's not like I'm letting her win.
So life isn't all hard things. Yes, I ache for Andy and what he is going through. I'm tired of the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of his illness. But that isn't all there is. God gives me fun and fulfilling moments with friends, family and Himself.
How good is the God we adore.
Psalm 94:17-19 ~ "Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
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