Monday, April 11, 2011

"Streams in the Desert"

Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings
Here is a book that I wish I could personally give to each of you who are hurting right now. 

The book was given to me last summer when I experienced an unexpected miscarriage.  Actually the whole pregnancy was unexpected but we became very excited that God had given our family another child…"a gift" to us.  We are still waiting to learn what "the gift" is that He has given.  

It's times like these that I remember some advice a good friend shared with me years ago.  She would say "Carma…don't forget in the darkness what God has told you in the light"  Such wise words.  

These daily readings from "Streams in the Desert" are rooted in scripture and amaze me with the way they weave together the heartbreak of this life and the triumph of God.  Encouraging us not only to survive through life's trials and dark moments but to LIVE there in them so that the "sense of God's presence can become the unwavering possession of our souls, enabling us to continually say as the psalmist wrote. "You are near oh, LORD" (Psalm 119:51)

Maybe you, like me, have had a physical illness that has sidelined you.  Maybe you have lost a baby or feel the pain of not having one.  Or maybe cancer is a daily discussion in your family. (my step dad is still pressing on, Amy is engaged the battle and doing well..thank you for your prayers) I have a friend who is walking through the pain of being abused as a child…feeling alone and helpless.  I have a friend who just lost both of her parents in an accident this weekend.  I have another friend who turns another year older this year and so wants God to provide someone to share this life with.  

I can't fully imagine what your pain is today.  I just pray that you will reach for the truths of the Bible.  That you will hold tight to the truths that God gave you in the light…when all was beautiful and felt good.  He hasn't changed…He is still here...it may be dark in your world for a time but you are not alone.  

Oh how I wish we could sit, have some coffee and read together...   

No comments:

Post a Comment