Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Chelsea Crockett, a contemporary author.

All of us go through things that “break” us. The break might be a small chip or crack, or more like something shattering into a million pieces. And then we struggle to glue the pieces back together. Some wounds are so deep only Christ can bring the healing and forgiveness we need to move on. But when we invite Him into our pain, He not only has the ability to heal us, He can also use us in extraordinary ways. When someone asks about a hard time in our lives, most of us take a second and go back to that moment. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, and other times it can be absolutely heartbreaking. A lot of us don’t want to go there, so it can be hard to let others peer into that part of our lives. What we often don’t recognize, though, is the beauty in the midst of our trials. How can there be beauty in the struggle?…No matter what has happened in our lives, we can be comforted that God is there. I imagine walking through the roughest times in my life but feeling the most amazing peace and comfort. I think that’s what God wants us to be reminded of. This world is full of hardship, but we can be comforted in knowing that He knows our hearts more than anyone, even ourselves. He hears our cries and wants us to run to Him.

PRAYER:

Written by Toddy Holeman, a contemporary seminary professor.

Gracious and Loving God, You surround us with your loyal and faithful presence every moment of every day. We are never alone, Lord, for you are with us. Yet, in our own moments of anxiety we may feel isolated from you, even abandoned by you. Help us to return our eyes to you when we are caught in waves of anxiety because when we are able to focus our attention on you, Immanuel, God with us, our fears recede, diminish, and fade away. In returning to You, we are captivated in increasing measure by your calming Presence. Holy Spirit, help us to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the one who invites us to draw near in times of trouble and find true peace.