broken, but hopeful

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. . . . 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:1-5,10

In 102 different directions, my mind is racing;
All over my restricting room, I find myself pacing.
So desperately, I'm trying to establish balance.
Although, it seems I'm lacking the talents.

Gently, softly, you whisper in my ear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Frantically running, searching for answers, I'm too busy to hear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Fatigued, I collapse into the comfort of my bed;
Overwhelmed, I try in vain to plan my day ahead.
I acknowledge my dependence upon self is futile.
Your constant strength in my life is crucial.

You say, “I'm all you need;
Without me you won't succeed.
I'll be your refuge, your hiding place.
Just calm your anxious spirit and seek my face.

"It's not about you; it's all about me.
Now proclaim to the world what I have done for thee.
Bring glory to my name.
Tell how you will never be the same.”

There are times when we're troubled as we carry heavy burdens. We can find comfort in Jesus' words, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). But giving our troubles to Jesus doesn't mean that everything will instantly be made whole.

I wrote the poem above after a 2-week period when it seemed that every time a hardship was resolved, three more would occur. In the midst of everything, God taught me some lessons. First, I must quiet my busy mind before God. Second, I must remember that no one can take away my joy (John 16:22). I have hope for the future, and I need to share that hope with those around me. Third, I must acknowledge that his ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:9).

We may not understand now why bad events happen, but God sees beyond today—into eternity. —Julie Hamm, Ohio

seeking: Father, what have I experienced as I quieted myself before you today? What have you revealed about your work in my hardships?

responding: Do I struggle with any of these three things: quieting my mind, letting insignificant things rob my joy, or understanding that God’s ways are higher than mine? • How can I be broken before God?

Father, I seek your peace—even as I face tough times. May I learn from the difficulties that you allow. You are God and your will is perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen.

following: We can best see God’s work in our weakness.

our journey