I am going through a difficult time. The devotional below is exactly what I am going through. Holding on to what the promises say in the devotional below because I have not felt this emotionally weak since the beginning of my journey a couple of years ago when I was seeking much needed help.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear
no evil, for you are with me." Psalm 23:4
Sometimes the recovery journey takes us through the valley of the shadow of death. It is a frightening valley.
What a difference it makes in times like this to hear God's promise to be with us. It's not that the fears vanish, they don't always. But we experience them differently when we are not alone. When we are alone our fears can become the focus of our thoughts and feelings - they can consume all of our emotional resources. But when our journey is a shared one, fear does not have the same power over us.
God has made a very specific promise to us when we are going through the most difficult of life's struggles. God has promised to be with us. It is hard to say how God's presence will be made known. Our subjective experience of God's presence may vary widely. Sometimes when we least expect it, we may hear the still, small voice of God saying "I am here". Sometimes God will use a friend, a sponsor, a counselor, or someone in a support group to speak to us in ways that help us to remember that we are not alone. Sometimes God will give us a peace that needs no words.
The important reality is that God is with us. God does not come and go in the way our experience of God's presence comes and goes. God does not forsake us. God walks with us. Even through deep valleys.
God, I am walking through a difficult valley right now.
Sometimes I think my heart will give way with fear.
Remind me of your presence.
Sometimes I know you are here.
Sometimes I'm sure you have gone.
Are you really here?
Please walk close beside me.
I need your protection.
I need your love.
Amen.
Copyright Dale and Juanita Ryan
and has now come when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the
kind of worshipers the Father seeks." - John 4:23
My Heavenly Daddy is healing
me from the inside out.
Transparency is Real.
Many times painful.
Daddy let me be secure in You only!
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yeah, so true. when alone, things can totally overwhelm. sharing (even space) tends to lighten the load...
ReplyDeleteJBR my heart breaks for your reading what you've been going through. At these times is when you can find Gods strength even more powerful. Praying that Gods love will surround you during this painful and frightening time for you. Remember God is your redeemer, your strength. He banishes all fears. God Bless.
ReplyDeletekeep walking, know you are not alone...and you will make it through...
ReplyDeleteSometimes we feel like we are beaten down, just remember Jesus is your strength, no matter what happened, ask Jesus to help you get out out of this valley of shadow you are walking through. I myself feel like I'm walking in darkness, but I know He is with me to guide me. Pray
ReplyDeleteExhausted from the day’s demands and from the weight of many trials, Steven fell on his face before the Lord and wept. How long Lord must I endure such pain, he cried. When the trials first began, Steven stood firm on God’s word, claiming every promise the Lord declared. But, now it seemed he was becoming weary and had allowed the spirit of hopelessness and despair to enter in. He knew the word of God, and believed what was written in his heart but like the man who cried out to the Lord in the scriptures saying: “Lord I believe, but help my unbelief” Steven felt he’d reached this place in his walk with the Lord.
Sal
Around Christmas time our priest said something so beautiful in the homily at mass. We have god who understands, He has been where we are. He has already experienced loneliness, sorrow, rejection, agony, fear...there is no emotional low we can experience where He has not been before us. I thought that was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJesus is with us, He has been where we are.
JBR, praying for you today.
God bless you dear one, sending you love, hugs, and many prayers.
ReplyDeleteMAY GOD'S PEACE SUSTAIN YOU JBR. DON'T EVER GIVE UP. YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY. THE ENCOURAGEMENT YOU GIVE WILL BE MISSED.
ReplyDeleteTaking a deep gulp of those words
ReplyDeleteand praying that your heart is able
to drink them up, too.
Beautiful and life-giving.
Thanks,
Jen
Hang on JBR! you can do this!
ReplyDeleteThis scripture is one that I cling to when the fear becomes overwhelming for me. I can't fight the fear, can't control it but when I cling to this and remember that God is with me no matter what...and when I come out at the other end of the valley, well, I'm always amazed and awed by the truth of it. (although sometimes I forget this) I know how tough these valleys are and I'm glad that you are able to share here. I hope this passes soon for you. I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with this devotional! Read it over and over, JBR. Your blog is where you'll find your answers. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry for your pain. If I had the means t I woyuld be there in a heartbeat hugging you. Staty strong.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are having such a hard time - I thought you were feeling better.
ReplyDeletesandie
Listening and thinking of you JBR xx
ReplyDelete(((JBR))) I'm so sorry, darling. I don't know what I can offer, but I am certainly here to listen and support you.
ReplyDeleteWishing you well,
NOS
I just finished a book called
ReplyDeleteLittle ways to keep calm and carry on
Twenty lessons for managingworry, anxiety, and fear
By mark a reinecke phd
Its pretty good
Hello JBR
ReplyDeleteThes valley days can be long and hard,they seem to drain the life right out of ya!!! And that's good that's where God wants us,and not to worry even though God seems to be gone. He is there waiting and watching to see his reflection! God's ways of doing things are so very different from ours,but his ways sure get the job done. God knows what's in you and he knows how to get it out,so go ahead kick & scream!! God your Father understands and he's in you,for you and always by your side "Hallelujah"!!! Never to leave you alone-never.
Love ya
Hang in there JBR.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your difficult times. Your faith will get you through and know that there are many who are lifting you up to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAndie
I wish for you to feel God's arms embracing you during this time. It can be easy to feel alone. God can seem faraway, but you're right, He is always here with us, even throughout our doubts and confusions.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right JBR! He is there with you, holding and sustaining you right now. Take it one step at a time and trust His heart and know His promises to JBR are real.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I've been looking all over for a blog like yours. I, too, was sexually abused as a child, and God's transforming power has helped me to overcome. I like your realness. I know it's not easy to break the silence, but so necessary. I'm starting a blog of my own about my experiences. Yours is my favorite one I've found.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're going through such a tough time, JBR. This is a wonderful devotional and so true. God is with you and will bring you through this valley. You are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteJust dropping in to say I'm thinking of you...
ReplyDelete"Just Be Real" has been included in this weeks Sites To See. I hope you like the image I featured, and I hope this helps to attract many new visitors here.
ReplyDeletehttp://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2011/02/sites-to-see.html
P.S.: After reading a few of the posts, I consider it a great blessing to have been led here.
JBR checking up on you. Wanting to leave you an encouragement word that God is with you all the way. What ever the valley you are going through now he's right there beside you. Nothing is to tough that he can't handle. You're a strong woman from what I've seen. You'll get through. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, JBR! May our Lord help you through this valley.
ReplyDeletestay strong JBR...He's there in your corner..and me too
ReplyDeleteI've had that overwhelming feeling many times. Stay strong, remember how far you've come & that we ALL Care very much for you!!!
ReplyDeleteHUGS,
Coreen xoxoxo
God, I am walking through a difficult valley right now.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think my heart will give way with fear.
Remind me of your presence.
amen amen amen...and God, thank you for this precious sister of mine that can pour out her heart, bringing some of us that are in similar places to come and find some strength, refreshment, pointing us to You where we are reminded..we are not alone....amen amen amen