I have been thinking of and clinging to this verse so much lately. Tony and I have both experienced God's peace and comfort more than we ever have before. It's something that cannot be described, it can only be experienced.
"surpasses all understanding"--this is so true, His peace is beyond anything we can ever comprehend
"guard your hearts and minds"--when I think of the word "guard," I think of someone physically protecting someone and keeping them from harm; how amazing to think that this is what the Lord is doing for us!
The verse preceding this one speaks of not being anxious about anything but presenting your requests to the Lord. So many people have told us that they are praying for us, even people that we don't even know! It has been incredible and I have no doubt that the Lord is giving us peace through these intercessory prayers.
This is not to say that we aren't hurting, heart-broken, and questioning "why?" at times.
We are experiencing the roller-coaster ride of the grieving process, and it is by no means easy. I know for me, a wave of emotion and sadness will hit me at the most random times--like today it was in the grocery store where I saw 4 different babies (who looked to be about the same age as Alethia would be) with their mommies.
When I was pregnant, the thought of myself having a stillborn baby never even crossed my mind.. I had only heard of this happening to 2 people that I knew personally. Now the Lord has brought many more people into my life who have shared their similar stories and how He has carried them through this. Even if I had thought of the possibility during my pregnancy, this is not something that someone can ever prepare themselves for.
But God has been preparing us all along for this. We don't know how. We don't know why. Maybe someday we will be able to look back and have some answers. But maybe we never will have any answers in this life here on earth.
But He is refining us in the fire and is teaching us to trust and lean on Him all the more through this trial.
"The Man of all sorrows,
He never forgot
What sorrow is carried
By the hearts that He bought."
--from the song "The Silence of God" by Andrew Peterson
6 comments:
Beautiful Charity.
And I want you to know it shows. I can see His peace on your countenance, even when tears are present.
You are a living testimony. Helping those around you to realize that God will not take us to a valley He will not carry us through.
My heart hurts for you. I wish several times a day that this wasn't the road you two have been asked to walk, but you are doing it so very gracefully; keeping your eyes on the Grace Giver Himself. And it encourages me to do the same.
Love you.
And that peace only comes when we cling to Him and draw close to the Lord.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and grieving-the Lord is so faithful.
We continue to keep you both in our prayers.
I can so relate.
Thanks again for sharing your heart.
Praying for you often!
Continuing to pray for you both as you walk through the grieving process. May our Father give you ALL that you need to make it through each day.
Much love and prayers!
I just wanted to say that I can totally relate to this. Know that you are in my prayers.
Such peace just causes us to fall to our knees in adoration!! Amen!
That is the only thing you can do sometimes is just cling to scripture. I don't know how people go through the loss of a child without the Lord. I praise the Lord that you are glorifying Him so much through probably the toughest thing you will ever face on this earth. Thank you for sharing this verse, and praise the Lord for the indescribable peace that only He can give. Love you and praying for you!
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