Unbelievably Sad

My heart throbs, my strength fails me;
    as for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction,
    and my neighbors stand far off.

Those who seek my life lay their snares;
    those who seek to hurt me speak of ruin,
    and meditate treachery all day long.

Psalm 38:10-12 NRSV

 

I find myself unbelievably saddened today. I am sad because you are sad.

It never fails to astound me how quickly people who say they care will turn against someone or even desert them when someone is being afflicted. Instead of helping and supporting their "friends and companions," they turn on them much like Job's friends turned on him when he was afflicted. They turn on them and dessert them in their time of need and in doing so they hurt, even further, the one who is hurting.

 

I wish that I could help them in their loneliness. I am always willing to be there to listen. However, not everyone wants their pastor to care; after all, that's what pastors do: care for the afflicted. Sometimes people need more people than just their pastor. Most of us have probably been, at one time or another, in that place where it seems like there is no one left who cares about us. I have come to know the one who is always there for you... His name is Jesus. He is always with you. Talk to him. Hear his gentle voice: Be not troubled. Be not afraid. My peace I give to you. (John 14:27)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Chronicles 12 - God's Purpose Finally Fulfilled

All this turning over kingdoms makes me a little sad.  There has been much treachery and death to get to the point where the might men of Israel, in fact it seems, all of Israel, joins David in support of him.  It reminds me that God works through people to achieve His good purposes.  When God told Abraham that he was going to make him a father of nations it took more than a few years for that to be accomplished.  When God appointed David as king, it took way more than a few years for that to be accomplished.  Multitudes of people were involved in David's life as he journeyed to the place where the people would receive him as their king.  It was rough.  But, in the end, the purpose of God is fulfilled. 

The road to the fulfillment is not an easy one.  It takes time.  It takes trial (trial by fire?).  It takes persistance.  But, God is with us every day, with every step of the way .