When a friend is hurting and hunkering under the weight of her decisions, it’s easy to feel helpless. Words of comfort and compassion can seem an empty response to her “why?” How do you say, “Give it to God” to someone who doesn’t know him? When she would blame him for an addiction, a heartache, and punishment–it’s hard to say how he loves. She doesn’t feel loved.
She tells me she can ask me, but hopes I won’t take offense–she’s not sure she can buy into this God idea or this book written by men … she resents he made the very drug that holds her prisoner … that she can’t go to him because her life is out of control and all she can do is ask, ask, ask. She doesn’t want to be so needy.
In Psalm 40, I read of David, and I read of God. A God who lifts out of despair and mud and mire; who sets feet on solid ground and steadies to walk along; who gives a new song. And while it sounds so pretty and poetic, these are more than just words. His wonders and plans, too numerous to list, serve as constant witness (of who he is, of what he can do) to our needy hearts.
Hebrews 4 and the rest for those who believe, the rest that is since the creation of the world. Of Jesus, whom we can approach in confidence (boldly) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
And I think of what I have in Christ. And I want that for her too.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7b (NIV)
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 