We get to hear from Cindee Bailey this week! She’s new to our blog, so make certain to stop by the contributor’s page and learn more about her.

I was sitting in a hospital room watching my mom drift from me.  It was a very long journey, and I struggled to understand why it was her time to go.  I was familiar with loss and grief – I lost my daddy a mere 3 ½ years ago which makes this so much harder.  I prayed and listened, but the silence was so heavy in the room and in my heart.  

Lord, please give me peace and comfort, relief from the great pain of saying goodbye.  As I waited, my precious Lord sweetly reminded me of His promise that “He will not leave me nor forsake me” (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Such a gracious promise that speaks of God’s unwavering faithfulness and strength, His wisdom for what lies ahead.   

So many of us are struggling with different types of pain, uncertainty, fear, and on and on.  During those times, the loneliness is suffocating, and the “whys” are overwhelming.  But, isn’t that a great word? BUTwe are not alone! We are not forsaken! We aren’t traveling this road, with its many potholes, without someone Who cares and loves us and only wants the best for us.  

Jesus is such a faithful, loving friend Who extends such grace, wisdom, comfort, and peace.  By His strength, He picks us up and carries us through the hard yucky stuff.  Oh, it brings such peace and rest when you know you’re being lifted up and carried.  I don’t know about you, but that blessed rest is like a balm to a weary body, heart, soul, and mind.

It’s so easy to allow the Devil to control our minds.  Causing such disruption.  Kicking the anxiety level up a notch.  Knocking fear and doubt out of the ballpark.  All this leaving us drowning and struggling to figure it all out.   But, there’s that word again, BUT God has told us in His Word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 4:6-7).   As a child of Christ, we need to remember to always pray first.  Always remember that our Heavenly Father has our back.   He has a plan for us, not to destroy us, but to prosper our way to bring glory and honor to Him.  

I love the song “What a Friend we have in Jesus”!  In the song it says, “Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.”When you find yourself in a place and you’re crying out “Hello! Are you there?”, our Heavenly Father draws us close and whispers, “I am here.”  There are no sweeter words