Even when I cannot pray
And words fail me
Even when my heart is low
And tears take the place of words
You hear my innermost cries
And groans that cannot be uttered
Your Spirit soothes like a balm
And your peace I rediscover
I have had too many days in this year where I have felt too weighed down and too heartsick to pray or even open my bible. In those instances, I usually try to play worship music but invariably I’d be too heavy-hearted to sing along. Some of these occasions have been because of personal circumstances such as illness, etc. but the majority have coincided with news of the killing of another black person that could have been avoided or when I see the stats showing the disparities in so many aspects of life for people of colour.
I don’t have an answer for the “why?” (I don’t think anyone does) but one scripture verse that keeps reverberating in my mind is John 16:33 (AMP).
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”
This scripture verse reminds me that all these “troubles”, however you choose to define that term (e.g. systemic racism, discrimination, a difficult diagnosis, financial struggles, global pandemic, divorce, etc) have not caught God by surprise. Not only does he reassure us that He has overcome the world but He goes as far as telling us to be filled with joy!
More than ever these days, I wish I could wave a wand and set every injustice to right…but since I can’t, I choose to lean into God more (hence the playing of worship music even if I’m not particularly in the ‘mood’). I don’t always feel His peace straightaway but if I make a conscious effort to reach out for Him and not wrap myself in anger/worry/fear, I find that He helps.
I choose to continue to trust in His ways (even though my human reasoning cannot comprehend the ‘why’ of His ways), ask Him for strength, and for His healing peace and love so that I can continue to live in a way that emulates Christ and not live out the dictates of my confused and broken heart.
Your experiences may be different from mine but if you can relate to this, I want you to be encouraged that even when words fail you and tears are all you can give, your Father in heaven hears your heartbroken groans and will comfort you (Psalm 34:8). Be of good cheer, He has overcome this broken world.
Here are some of the link-ups where I may share this post.
(Image credit: Thought Catalog from Unsplash)
I have been on a quest for a few years, trying to discover how to live joy when those who are yours struggle and face heavy challenges. Last year, an older woman told me when I asked her, How do you live joy when your kids struggle – she said, ““God will give him [her] more than Satan has taken,” trusting that, believing that is what releases us to live joy! It’s hard when there’s so much pain all around – and it sounds like you’ve had your fill of that pain! Praying God’s Shalom in your life – and in our communities! Praying I learn how to live it, too! – I love the scripture you chose – I always get a surge of hope when I hear or read it!
Amen – thanks for your prayers Maryleigh 🙂 Living joyfully is possibly if we keep reminding ourselves of God’s promises to us – He has overcome!
When he says, “I have overcome the world, ” may we find grace to embrace the reality of it. I think we have a tendency to spiritualize his words and compartmentalize our life. He wants it all!
Yes, we can sometimes struggle with the “all” but it’s the best way forward. Echoing your prayers for the grace to live this daily.
I agree, worship music helps me to focus on God even when I’m struggling or don’t feel like he’s there.
Worship music is indeed a blessing.
This season has certainly been an attitude adjustment for me. When scripture says “think it not strange when you encounter trials,” why do I persist in being surprised??
Same here! 🙂
This is such an encouraging post. Thank you! The call to be of good cheer is a blessing. I feel that even when we don’t understand things, the Lord is teaching us through this invitation that he is the way to lasting joy. Visiting from instaencouragments link up today. 🙂
‘He is the way to lasting joy’ – i like that and so true Marielle. May we always remember that.
Wemi, I too have struggled this year. Heaviness has stifled me at times. The act of being filled with joy has not been easy. I have had to intentionally usher in God’s presence. I take long walks while listening to worship music on my earphones. I embrace God’s words to be of good cheer. He has truly overcome the world. He has it all in his hands. I have no need to worry. So when I do find myself in despair, I offer up a yet praise and watch God show up.
It definitely has been a heavy year; more than ever I’m grateful for the love of God and that He’s got this.
Amen, Wemi! I find comfort and strength when I listen to worship music too. Thank you for this encouraging reminder that while troubles abound in this world, our Heavenly Father promises to be with us and give us true joy.
My heart hurts for those who have to live with systemic racism. I’m listening to Ijeoma Olue’s book “so You Want to Talk About Race” and it’s eye-opening. May each of our hearts and eyes remain open while we struggle to fight the sin of racism.
Thank you for pointing us to peace in your post today. Your encouragement is needed and heard. I am praying that we seek the peace that only comes from the Father. Thank you for linking up at Tell His Story.
“More than ever these days, I wish I could wave a wand and set every injustice to right…but since I can’t, I choose to lean into God more (hence the playing of worship music even if I’m not particularly in the ‘mood’). I don’t always feel His peace straightaway but if I make a conscious effort to reach out for Him and not wrap myself in anger/worry/fear, I find that He helps.”
Wemi, I feel this statement so much, as there are so many things out of my control. But as I let go of that desire to “fix” things and talk to God about it, He gives me a peace that I cannot manufacture myself. He reminds me that He is in control and His purposes will stand. Nothing can thwart His will.
Like you, I’ve learned that the best thing to do is spend time with God in His word, to give my cares to Him, even to pray through some of the psalms of lament. May He hear our cries and be ever near to His people. May we be lights to shine His love to others!
Blessings to you, dear sister!
“Nothing can thwart His will” – so much yes to this! Grateful for His steadfastness.