Stay With Me

Those are the words that I have heard over and over this week from God and they are meant to comfort and direct me. Hard as I try this time of year always brings extra emotions and at times moments seem much bigger than they really are.

It’s difficult to explain, but as simple daily activities unfold even the slightest mishap in the day, a memory or a song can bring tears or instant frustration at exaggerated levels. I try to bring my emotions under control and keep it together, but it feels like it keeps building and building.

The enemy has a field day with this because as I try to take control he knows that I have taken the wrong approach from the start. Trying to do this myself is like wrestling a tornado. There are moments of calm before the storm and then at times debris is flung everywhere.

That is why my message from God has been, “Stay with me.” When I’m with Him, He comforts me and knows every emotion that I’m feeling. When I’m with Him I feel safe. When I’m with Him I have hope. When I’m with Him I know that He will bring me through the storm.

I’ve been reading the book “The Women of Easter,” by Lizz Curtis Higgs and came to a section on Mary, the mother of Jesus. A question was asked, “Could I watch You suffer, Lord? Could I stand so near?” As a bystander that would have been so difficult to watch, but imagine being a mother and watching your son die such a horrible death. My heart goes out to Mary.

Mary’s storm was raging and there was nothing she could do in her own power to take control. Yet, what she could do she did, she stayed with Him. As she watched, her heart broke, but she also knew that He would make all things new as He brought hope to the world.

As He hung on the cross “His love for his mother was abundantly clear. Aware of the invisible sword piercing her heart, Jesus tended to her wound in the best way possible – assuring her that she was not alone, that she would be cared for, provided for and loved. This loving gesture at the cross must have reassured Mary that He still treasured her as His mother. He had not abandoned her and never would.” (The Women of Easter)

Just reading those words brings me to a place of reflection. At one time I was watching my son as he took his last breath. My heart was breaking and I felt helpless and out of control. But God saw me, saw the pain and assured me that I wasn’t alone. His loving sacrifice on the cross provided a promise that I will see my son again and that God is in complete control.

Over the years He has provided for all my needs. He has cared for me, loved me through sad and lonely moments and He will continue to do so until that day that there will be no more tears. Until that day He has left me with another promise that He will never to leave me nor forsake me.

When tough days come I can try to tackle them on my own or I follow His leading and stay with Him.

My prayer

Father, thank you for the love and promises You give me every single day. I need You Lord. You know my heart and You alone understand everything about me. I know You will bring me through the weeks ahead as memories flood my mind. Please give Brock a hug and kiss from me and I will hold tight to Your promises as I stay with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Revelation 21:4-5

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Hebrews 13:5

“Never will I leave you;
   never will I forsake you”