When Loss Lingers – Beloved Women – August 4, 2023
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“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” - Psalms 40:2 NLT
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT
If you’ve had the misfortune of losing anything or anyone you love, you know the pain can linger. Owning my despair acknowledges the magnitude of my loss. If I deny my despair, eventually it owns me.
Years ago, when my mother passed, waves of grief swelled above my head. I had the usual signs of drowning. I struggled to breathe. My emotions pushed away would-be rescuers. By God's grace, I found a ministry for people struggling with the trauma of loss.
As my small group camped around a mountain of grief, we each had a different climb. If you're grappling with a loss, you may see yourself in our circle.
Some of us showed our ache outwardly.
Others tucked what tore them apart behind a forced smile.
Some grew numb to their pain.
But faith moves mountains. As I sat in the circle and prayed through tears, faith moved me.
Breathing came back slowly. Eventually, I whispered hallelujah. It happened as God “lifted me out of the pit of despair.”
If you have a lingering loss, He will do the same for you. Just ask Him. Your hallelujah is waiting.
PRAY
Dear God, the pit of despair is no match for your power. I need your healing for my heart ache. Fill me with your joy, in the midst of my sorrow. Receive my hopeful hallelujah. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
REFLECT
Are you willing to let God lift you out the pit of despair? Why or why not?
RELATED RESOURCE
The Beloved Women’s Conference is a one-day event filled with speakers, entertainment, breakout sessions and more to refresh, refuel, and empower women like us to find rest for our souls, peace for our minds, and hope for the journey. Join us October 12, 2019 in Raleigh, NC as we explore this year’s theme “Soul Rest.” To learn more and to purchase your ticket click here.
CONNECT
Subscribe to joyAwilliams.com and receive a free PDF of “Say So Long to Sidetracked,” a biblical approach to overcoming distractions. It's a great tool for personal study or to share with a group.
© 2019 by Joy A. Williams . All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
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