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Tuesday, April 11, 2023

What We Need Most in Hard Times


We have gone through some challenging times recently. Mild if we were to compare ourselves to so many around the world. But for us, the past few months have been extra challenging.

It is heart-breaking and challenging to care for and extend support and love to my brother who is suffering from Parkinsons. An absolutely devastating disease to have to go through. In the last thirty days, he has gone from living in an Assisted Living place just a few blocks from us, to a 5-day hospital stay where he had a much needed surgery, to 2 1/2 weeks of rehab at another facility, to being moved to his new home: an amazing new assisted living place in a home-style setting just a 30-minute drive from us. A loving atmosphere where eight residents receive individualized love and care in a beautiful, large ranch-style home. 

How do we navigate through so many unknowns on a daily basis? How do we have the strength and energy to go on, day after day, when things are so difficult, and when we are so needy? This has been my story for the past weeks/months. And the verse above has been one of many that have spoken truth to me. Truth that I have needed over and over again.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from Him.
He alone is my rock
and my salvation, my fortress
where I will never be shaken.
(Psalm 62:1-2 NLT)

There really is only one place to go when we are in need. And that place is to wait quietly before God

In our hard times, and in our good times ... we are to wait quietly. Not just in a vacuum or in emptiness, but we are to wait quietly before God.

And who is this God ?

This is the Hebrew word "elohiym", used 2,600 times in the Old Testament, referring to the one true God. This name of God conveys that "God is Creator, the King, the Judge, the Lord, and the Savior. His character is compassionate, gracious, and faithful to His covenant." (Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible)

So when we are in difficult times, we have the greatest privilege we could ever wish for ... we can draw close, and wait quietly on God. He is our Rock, our Salvation, our Fortress. A safe place, where we will never be shaken. These are not just words; they are Truth. A never-ending promise, from our faithful God.

This has been true these past few weeks/months, and I have needed to turn my eyes, my heart, and my focus again and again to this safe place, to our faithful, compassionate, loving God. A place where we are cared for, and loved completely. I am so grateful. Day by day. Moment by moment.

Beautiful words of truth for our everyday ...

"God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as He says.
Everything I need comes from Him, so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet,
breathing room for my soul,
an impregnable castle: I'm set for life."
(Psalm 62:1-2 MSG)


To read more of my 'Heart Connect' posts: