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Psalm 25:16 – Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. (NIV)
In her room, she waits. Day after day, month after month, year after long year, she sits invisible to those outside. She listens and watches, hoping to see family and old friends who have seemingly forgotten about her. She awakens each morning, possibly remembering the day that she entered this room, and how she hadn't really wanted to come here. She thinks about getting up for breakfast, but not feeling hungry, she stays in bed, feeling hopeless and alone, even cursed and forgotten by God.
I don't personally know this woman, but I know that there are many like her. Her weariness, and feelings of isolation, abandonment, and loss of control, are all too real for many who are unwell and elderly.
The reality is that in our later years, our bodies grow weaker and more fragile, not only making our lives a challenge, but at times taking some to the brink of despair, crying to God, "Why me?" or even "Why won't You just let me die?"
I must admit that I have asked those same questions of God and was even angry with Him for not allowing me die. However, I know now that God was not yet finished with me. Although I don't yet know what plans God has in mind for my future, I am glad that I am still here, because, believe or not, no matter how desperate our lives may seem, there is hope through the grace of God, regardless of our age or circumstances. This is how Paul describes it:
2 Corinthians 4:16 – Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (NIV)
In fact, it is only in our weaknesses that we can discover God's grace and hope filled with an inner strength that surpasses all our weaknesses and suffering. This gift God gives us only through Jesus, who so undeservedly and yet so willingly sacrificed His life for us. In Jesus, we find the resurrection and renewal of our bodies, with the hope of eternal life. All our loneliness, sorrows, pain, and tears will vanish, to be replaced with everlasting joy, comfort, peace, and laughter.
We will then experience eternal glory with God, which will far outweigh our earthly struggles. That is our hope, for which we can be eternally grateful!
Prayer: Thank You, O Lord, for seeing us in our need and our weaknesses, and for giving us the opportunity to come to You as You wait for us with arms open wide. You see our sorrows and fears, You remember us, and You know and understand our grief and weariness. Grant us the faith not to lose heart, even in our most desperate moments. We are thankful for the hope that You give us in Jesus, Your Son, and for the joy that will be ours one day through Him, as we gratefully accept Your promise to renew us, to make us whole, and to restore us to Yourself. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Thanks for the good word, Jan.
Excellent post Jan, thank you and God bless!
Thank you, Jan, for today’s devotional it was comforting and full of hope. God Bless You!
Thank you for sharing this devotional with us. It spoke encouragement to my heart. Blessings.
Thank you for this writing. My friends in personal care and I had this discussion. Your closing prayer will be shared on my next visit.
Well done!
Thank you, Jan, for your deeply honest devotional. Your encouragement and reminder of God’s faithfulness is a blessing to all.
God bless you!
Greetings,
Thank you for this devotional. So true that God has a purpose for each of us and we must be thankful for each day He gives us here to be of service to Him. I feel it is an important part of our Church’s outreach program to share the word of God’s love and care as we visit those living in the nursing homes in our town.
Blessings to you.
(B.C.)
Dear Jan,
Such a good devotional. My wife and, I at different times, see that every week as we volunteer at the local Long Term Care Centre. She in the various activities she is involved in and I in my Bible related activities. How often people haven’t told us that they wished the Lord would take them home, others just plain want to die.
At times like that, when I see them in the state they are in it is really difficult to speak meaningful words of encouragement.
Thank you for your good words this morning.
Blessings.
Thanks for the devotion. Today’s the day that my beloved husband was promoted to heaven. I was so grateful to have a son spent the evening with me. Makes it easier to go through the valley of sorrow and loss. Wish that families everywhere would share love like mine do. Shalom.
Thanks for sharing!
Dear Jan, thank you for this devotional. The opening paragraph is absolutely gripping. You made me feel the isolation of that woman. Also, I have just heard that an acquaintance’s cancer is back. I was struggling what to share with him. He has a very strong faith. I have decided to share your prayer. It may give him comfort. God Bless you; He indeed, has work yet for all of us to do.