Sorry, no 911 to call. No emergency assistants available. And medical facilities are nowhere around.
My brother and I snuggled next to my Mom. We rode in the back of a truck. “When will we get there?” I asked her as my 10-year old mind anticipated fun moments in the tropical area of Bolivia.
But to get there, we risked our lives as we rode on the most dangerous road in the world. Should there be a car accident on the narrow mountains bordered with huge cliffs, fatalities are unavoidable. That’s the scene outside my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia.
One such accident took place recently, leaving a young man paralyzed. His family, American missionaries, sent prayer requests through cyberspace. Walking only moments earlier, paralyzed the next.
Why is it that tragedy barges unannounced? It catches us unprepared, vulnerable to its cruel claws.
I tasted that heartache years ago when the doctor said to my family and me “He didn’t survive the stab wounds he received.”
Losing my youngest son was unthinkable. I cried out to God, “Why?”
I found that kind of pain has no reason, but also learned that God’s peace has no limit.
Friends, if you or anyone you know is in the prison of pain, here are seven vows needed to conquer heartache:
We count on His help, constant and never changing because “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
We silence words of self-pity or sorrow. “My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live…” (Psalm 63:4a)
We let go the grip on bitterness and instead, we reach up to Him. “In your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:4b)
Our heart may be broken, but our soul is intact.“My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:5)
We thank God for the sweet sleep that will come because “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night because you are my help…” (Psalm 63:6)
We claim His power, knowing where we find protection. “We sing in the shadow of your wings. Our soul clings to you…” (Psalm 63:7)
We declare: Lord, we will not faint because “Our soul clings to you; your right hand upholds us.” (Psalm 63:8)
Father, I praise you for already knowing the help we would need, the comfort we would desire, and the reassurance we would call for. Thank you for going before us to prepare the healing and the restoration of our peace. I thank you in Jesus’ name, amen.
How long does heartache have to steal your joy?
What needs to change for you to accept His comfort?
In the silence of the night, what calms your soul?
Janet Eckles
If this message resonated with you, please visit Janet’scyberspace home for more inspiration.