Last August I was out walking and praying, pouring out my heart to God after receiving word that one of my brothers had died. As far as I knew, he hadn’t been living for God. (I had been praying for him for a long time.) 

You who know the truth understand my pain. 

Walking down that country road, I gradually ran out of words to express my grief and let calm wash over my troubled soul. Coming to a point of relinquishment, I said, “God, You are sovereign. All You do is good. There is no evil in You or any of Your ways. Whatever spiritual state my brother was in when he passed You knew, it didn’t surprise You. You are pure, good and just.” Then I quieted my soul.

In the quietness, God immediately spoke to me and said, “I am compassionate, too.”

What joy filled my soul! God is so good. He saw my breaking heart and heard my prayer. Because God had compassion on me, He heard my prayers for my brother. At that instant, I knew God had answered my prayer; I knew my brother was in heaven. Why does God care for me? I don’t know, but it is the most amazing thing!

I don’t pretend to know, but it seemed that at the point of acknowledging God’s sovereignty, God poured out His mercy. He revealed to me His feeling for my broken heart, He cared that I was hurting. 

This week I lost another brother and I am missing him terribly, but I know he is in heaven. I can just see him being his quiet, respectful self in awe of his Savior.

If you are praying for family and friends, do not give up. God cares. He cares not only for them, but He cares for you.

During the dark times we experience, God carries us if we let Him if we turn to Him needing comfort only He can give if we acknowledge our need. Let’s allow Him to love us.

Word to light your path

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart NKJV

Psalm 131 1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. ESV

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. NKJV

The Concept of Divine Control – Oswald Chambers

Dismal Valley – In the Bad Times He Carries Us

God Knows Your Name

My Father in heaven, thank You for letting me know that You care about me and what concerns me. Let everyone who reads this short post see how much You love and care for them. Amen