More prayers
December 3, 2007
“Do return, O Lord; how long will it be? And be sorry for They servants. O satisfy us in the morning with They lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days Thou hast afflicted us, and the years we have seen trouble. Let Thy work appear to Thy servants, and Thy majesty to their children. And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and do confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.” — Psalm 90:13-17 (NAS)
This past week has overwhelmed me. Not on my own behalf, but on account of friends who are struggling, who are in the midst of trials, the depths of which I can only imagine. A single mother whose home and all its contents were destroyed in a fire. A couple whose last fight against infertility failed. A husband returns from Iraq a different man to his wife and children. Marriage difficulties. Sudden death. Jobs lost without warning. Discouragement. Betrayal. Lonliness.
I am blessed! I sit in a warm house with two beautiful children and a husband who loves me. I am in need of nothing. The kids are currently sick, some nasty cold, but other than that we have no troubles. We are indeed blessed! One of those blessings is the priviledge of praying for our friends and loved ones.
All things come to pass. This time is one of comfort and serenity for us, but for those around us, a time of trial. My heart aches for them. I listen and ponder and pray. I weep and mourn with them, knowing it is a gift to carry these burdens together. A part of me feels guilty that I have it so good and they have it so rough. But this too shall pass. When it is my turn to walk through the valley, they may be on mountaintops offering ropes of encouragement and support. In the meantime, I cry out to God: “How long?” I beg Him to show us His favor, to confirm the work He has prepared for us. May He make clear the steps to be taken. Show us what to do! Then give permanence to the fruit of our obedience.
Photo by Datron Vulin.
Entry Filed under: fellowship,prayer,trials. .
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1.
Cami | December 3, 2007 at 7:13 PM
You mirror my concerns and prayers in this post. It’s amazing to ever be incited with concern for others–I sometimes envy the laid-back attitude some have, only caring about themselves, although I wouldn’t want to revert to that. I like the results of answered prayer in recipient hearts, so I keep praying, too. God bless you, Tanya.
2.
Jen | December 4, 2007 at 8:31 AM
Thank you for this post Tanya. You have no idea how timely it is in my life as well. God often uses your blog as a comfort and inspiration to me. Thank you for letting God speak through you.
3.
Beverly | December 5, 2007 at 5:31 PM
You have such a compassionate heart, and that is a blessing. This post really spoke to me because we had a summer where our hearts were continuously aching for our friends. I know that your friends are blessed to have you, and yes — we do not know what a day will bring forth. Our time of trial may be ahead.