I tasted the grit between my teeth. Felt dirt in my eyes. Swirls of dust surrounded my feet as I walked. The wind picked up pockets of earth, covering everything in its path. As I began to cough, I realized my dry throat needed water. A desert experience desires refreshment.
Today we celebrate mothers. Oh the joys and pains of a mother’s heart. When a woman gives birth to a child, a mighty bond emerges. The connection is instant and lasts forever. Love swells to near explosion. Until detonated with rejection. A prodigal child turns away. And a heart breaks, becoming brittle from the dust left in the wake of desertion. A shattered heart longs for restoration.
Meanwhile adventures sought after by the prodigal diminish. Things go awry. Life damages the spirit. Self-inflicted injury pierces the heart. Filth and anguish fill in the gap. And the wounds of a soul deepen. A wilderness walk calls for relief.
Refreshment. Restoration. Relief. Balm for troubled spirits. Is comfort available for an anxious soul? Can a broken heart be consoled? Is it possible to live cheerfully again?
Yes. Yes. Yes and Amen.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Jesus is the answer. He offers refreshment with living water (John 4:14). He provides restoration in green pastures (Psalm 23:2-3). He supplies salve to restore souls. He pours out ointment for comfort. Because of love, His rod corrects and His staff leads to a right path. He walks with you through the valleys. He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5).
These promises are found in God’s Word. They are words of truth. Jesus spoke them with assurance as He ministered to individuals and crowds. And He speaks them to us today. Through faith, we can live in His promises.
Jesus stands ready to deliver you from guilt and grief. Can you hear Him knocking? Will you answer?
Use the key of forgiveness and let Him in. With humility, forgive others. Forgive yourself. He will forgive you. Allow His comfort to heal your wounds. Feel refreshed. Be restored. Live in joy.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
“Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.
Revelation 3:20 (TLB)