You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. – Psalm 18:35

There’s a thing that happens when trouble rears its head. People stand. They gather. When they see one of their own suffering, they rally.

Death, divorce, debilitating diagnoses… no matter what it may be, everyone wants to show support.

These times are blessings to the one suffering. No doubt about it, these brothers and sisters who answer the call are critical to the shoring up that’s needed as someone steps forward into a scary unknown.

But what happens when the ra-ra dies down?

People naturally drift back into their own routines and rhythms. Life is busy and time flies by. Through no fault of anyone’s, the months and years following the initial critical moments of a tragedy are quickly swallowed up by a great big silence.

Are you in that vacuum? Do you feel forgotten or alone?

I’ve been there. And I’d love to pass on to you some of what God has taught me about this period of time. He’s actually at work here more than He is when all those people were so active in their physical care of you.

* Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26

The Holy Spirit is still putting you on the hearts of those who will lift your name and situation in prayer. Whether you hear of it or not, please know that people have not forgotten you and are still praying earnestly for you on a regular basis. They assume that you know it.

* but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15

God is easing new relationships into your life. This time you are going through will become a chance to minister, and people you are meeting right now who are hurting like you are, you are an answer to their prayers just as much as they are an answer to yours. God is growing your circle and deepening ties.

* You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? – Psalm 56:8

Jesus is right alongside you, ready and eager for you to lean right into Him for all you’re worth. He is sprinkling little things like a soft sunset, a gentle breeze, and other sweet reminders into your days. Christ is taking note of each and every emotion, struggle, and strain. He is in mourning with you. And He’s using this time to reiterate that He is enough.

I know it’s hard. Trust me, I know. But please keep going. Please keep your heart open to Him. He has blessings for you still. And you are not alone.

Heavenly King, during the times that seem so quiet that they physically hurt, please let us remember and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are right here where you’ve always been. You keep Your promises. You love us. And we love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

Photo by mendhak

---

If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.

All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.

May God Bless You,

Shelly