God ’s the one who rebuilds Jerusalem, who regathers Israel’s scattered exiles. He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
Psalm 147:2-6 MSG
So much has transpired in our world the past couple of days it has left me baffled at how these things happen. The shooting at Southerland Springs Baptist church in Texas is fresh on everyone’s mind and most of us can’t wrap our brains around why these things ever occur.
I certainly wish I had an answer and could fix the issues with a few words. However, it is not that simple and we live in a fallen sinful world where evil exists and bad things happen to good people.
When these things happen I believe our first response is often, “why me?” followed by an intense anger for the evil and pain caused by either a person or circumstances.
Over time though, as I’ve walked through my own valleys and gotten to the other side, I have come to learn that God truly is great, with limitless strength to heal the brokenhearted, bind up their wounds and comfort them in their sorrow. His word says he will put the fallen on their feet again and I believe he will one day push the enemy or the wicked into a ditch. Psalm 147 MSG
When we get to the other side of our pain and walk through that veil of disappointment we truly come to appreciate the simple things we might have taken for granted before.
When my daughter Corrie seen here, was just a baby we didn’t know if she would live to see another birthday. Her liver was so diseased and killing her with each day that passed. Every day was like waking up in a war zone not knowing if this would be her last day.
Fast forward to now and she is almost 5, almost 3 years post liver transplant and is a thriving little girl.
It was through that trial in our life, through the pain of the unknown that I experienced the mighty healing hand of God.
I still don’t know why a particular little one had to die in order for my child to live, and I don’t for one second want to pretend I understand that pain or grief. I can only speak from my own experience though, God has healed my daughter and He truly comforted us in our days of sorrow.
I know it is difficult to give thanks in the midst of grief, but I also know it is through worship and giving thanks that we silence the enemy, silence his power, silence his threats and his accusations.
So as you go about your day after reading this, and your tempted to complain or be negative, I challenge you to turn your pain into praise.
Look for something to be thankful for.
Push back the darkness with praise.
Give honor to all those who have lost their lives by loving those who are still in your life. Cherish the simple things today. Go for a walk with your kids or a loved one and notice all God has done around you.
It’s in the noticing and praising God through the pain that brings forth the healing.
I pray that what ever you are struggling with today the Lord will heal your broken heart, comfort you in your sorrow and begin to place you back on your feet again.
When He does all that, then go tell someone. Lord knows we all could use some encouragement and good news. So please share your stories and testimonies of God’s goodness. Create an atmosphere for Him to do it again.
Blessings,
Paige
