Tag: Psalm 27:10

A Mother’s Heart – Day 6 – Strained Relationships

On By KateIn A Mother's Heart, Devotionals4 Comments

Family dynamics can be so complicated at times. We hear of countless stories of family gatherings at Thanksgiving, where laughter and joy mingle with tension, and how countless topics must be avoided due to differences of opinion. The topic of religion is always one of those subjects that can ignite passionate debates, causing conflict among family members who hold contrasting beliefs. There once was a time when friendly debates could ensue without explosive displays of anger. However, today’s world has produced a bunch of angry people who are not afraid to speak their minds, omitting grace in their words. Often, individuals may feel compelled to suppress their true thoughts or opinions, choosing instead to focus on lighter subjects like football games or the culinary masterpieces served at the table, in the hope of keeping the peace and ensuring that the spirit of the holiday is not diminished.

But what about day-to-day relationships with our children? This is where the rubber meets the road, as it profoundly affects our lives and emotional wellbeing. I am going through this at the moment, struggling with complex dynamics. Our oldest son has abandoned our relationship altogether, leaving a significant void that weighs heavily on our family. Meanwhile, the relationship with our other son and his wife is strained, creating an atmosphere of discomfort that can’t be ignore. The two sons are close, a bond we deeply cherish, and we don’t want to interfere with that connection, as it’s crucial for their growth and support. However, when we do visit with our other son, we find ourselves in an awkward position; we can’t talk about his brother because our grandchildren are present, and we would never want them to hear negative words about their uncle. This creates an emotional barrier, limiting the conversations we long to have. We feel as though we are walking on eggshells when we do get together. It’s especially strained because our son agrees with portions of his brother’s complaints. It’s terrible when you cannot have adult conversations with your family without someone getting angry! It leaves us longing for open, honest dialogue, yet feeling constrained and worried that any attempt to express ourselves will only lead to further discord.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

We seem to have warmer conversations with brothers and sisters in Christ than we do with our own children, which is extremely sad and leaves us feeling quite isolated. What once seemed to be a family living in harmony has now become conflicting, filled with misunderstandings and a lack of connection. My husband and I are in our 70’s, a stage of life we had hoped would be filled with the joy of family gatherings and shared experiences. We never dreamed we would be living the last years of our lives without our children, longing for the laughter and love that once echoed in our home. It is a heavy burden to carry, seeing the distance grow and wishing for the days when we could all come together to create cherished memories. The absence of these moments has not only affected our spirits but has also made us reflect deeply on the importance of family ties and the love that should transcend any differences. Although the following verse speaks of parents forsaking their children, our situation is the opposite. However, I cling to the latter part of the verse:

Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

When there is no dialogue, there cannot be any healing, and this fact underscores the complications in relationships. That is the crux of the matter, highlighting the importance of open communication and understanding, which foster genuine connections. The only solution is to trust in the Lord to take care of this sticky problem, as faith can provide guidance and solace in times of uncertainty. It enables us to find strength even in our deepest distress. This allows us to navigate through our challenges with His grace producing resilience, teaching us that through every trial we encounter, there is an opportunity for growth and healing. Since we cannot initiate conversations with the prodigal son, we must strive to do so with our other son, in God’s timing of course, recognizing that patience is often a virtue that leads to change. I have learned to love the following verses as I wait on the Lord for His answers, holding onto His promises as a source of hope that reassures me in my journey. It reaffirms that every moment spent in prayer and reflection is a step toward deeper understanding and reconciliation.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I wasn’t at first, but now I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to go through this because He has taught me that this is one area that I cannot fix on my own. I must leave the details to Him and allow Him to work through each problem.

I will share the verses below each day, so we remember Who is working behind the scenes and in our own lives. He loves you so glorify, bless and praise His Name:

Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Psa 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Do You Feel Alone Sometimes?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. (Isa 58:9a)

Despite the hustle and bustle of the world around us, miles of traffic jams, and crowded stores, it is amazing how many people in this world suffer from loneliness. Man was not created to be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18) No matter how much of a loner one is, that person has a need for human contact at some point or another. Most are not loners, however, so human contact is a vital ingredient for healthy emotions. Loneliness left unchecked leads to despair.

As a born-again believer, I am encouraged by God’s Holy Word because He deals with this very subject over and over. God knew from the beginning that man could not be alone, and that he would suffer from loneliness. So much so, He included the beautiful Book of Psalms for encouragement and countless other verses throughout His Word. Our Father knows our needs because He created us. He knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from Him, including our loneliness. [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (Psa 139:1) I stand amazed that our God knows all of us in this intimate way. God has searched each one of us and knows us!

Even when we are at our lowest, the Lord is right there to lift us up through His Word. I think of David when he made this statement in Psa 27:10, When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. David knew that his God would never forsake him. The Lord reassures His children over and over throughout His Word that He is faithful. … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb 13:5b) Again, He assures us in Isa. 42:16, …These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

When we need comfort and reassurance, He promises to be there for us. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 Our Heavenly Father is there every moment of the way in our Christian walk. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. (Gen 28:15) God spoke to countless people in the Old Testament with words of encouragement. However, those same words can assure us that because He spoke to them in this manner, He will speak to us through His Word with the same impact.

We may fall asleep at night and forget the day’s trials and burdens but our God never sleeps and is ever watching out for us. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psa 121:4) Does that not bring you comfort? You are not alone, my friend. No matter how empty your house is, you are not alone. No matter if there is no one sitting with you in your car, you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father has placed in you His Precious Holy Spirit. He comforts you, teaches you and points you to Christ through His Holy Word. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (Joh 14:16) (Emphasis mine).

How can you overcome your loneliness? Get in the Word, oh Christian. The Holy Spirit is waiting to bring that precious comfort to you. His comfort resides within the pages of your Bible but you must open it to receive it. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14:26) We get refreshment and encouragement within the pages of our Bible as we are drawn and taught by the Holy Spirit. How full of mercy is our Father! He knows every fiber of our being and provides living water for us to walk away refreshed. Our loneliness dissipates as we soak up His Word and see once again the light of day.

Once we are refreshed, we are commanded to go out and be a friend to someone. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: (Pro 18:24a) No one can feel alone when they are focused on helping others. There are people out there in need, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. God can use a believer who has overcome loneliness to minister to a lonely world. So many are lonely out there – won’t you let the Friend of all friends be your example? and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Pro 18:24b) Do you feel friendless? When you are born again, oh Christian, God calls you His friend. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (Joh 15:13) Jesus paid the ultimate price to be your friend. You are never alone.

Treat your loneliness today with a good dose of refreshing time in the Word; then put feet to your refreshing time, and spend time with someone who is lonely. God will use your trials to minister to another and bring glory to His Name.

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Do You Feel Alone Sometimes?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment
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Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. (Isa 58:9a)

Despite the hustle and bustle of the world around us, miles of traffic jams, and crowded stores, it is amazing how many people in this world suffer from loneliness. Man was not created to be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18) No matter how much of a loner one is, that person has a need for human contact at some point or another. Most are not loners, however, so human contact is a vital ingredient for healthy emotions. Loneliness left unchecked leads to despair.

As a born-again believer, I am encouraged by God’s Holy Word because He deals with this very subject over and over. God knew from the beginning that man could not be alone, and that he would suffer from loneliness. So much so, He included the beautiful Book of Psalms for encouragement and countless other verses throughout His Word. Our Father knows our needs because He created us. He knows everything about us. We cannot hide anything from Him, including our loneliness. [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. (Psa 139:1) I stand amazed that our God knows all of us in this intimate way. God has searched each one of us and knows us!

Even when we are at our lowest, the Lord is right there to lift us up through His Word. I think of David when he made this statement in Psa 27:10, When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. David knew that his God would never forsake him. The Lord reassures His children over and over throughout His Word that He is faithful. … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb 13:5b) Again, He assures us in Isa. 42:16, …These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

When we need comfort and reassurance, He promises to be there for us. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 Our Heavenly Father is there every moment of the way in our Christian walk. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. (Gen 28:15) God spoke to countless people in the Old Testament with words of encouragement. However, those same words can assure us that because He spoke to them in this manner, He will speak to us through His Word with the same impact.

We may fall asleep at night and forget the day’s trials and burdens but our God never sleeps and is ever watching out for us. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psa 121:4) Does that not bring you comfort? You are not alone, my friend. No matter how empty your house is, you are not alone. No matter if there is no one sitting with you in your car, you are not alone. Your Heavenly Father has placed in you His Precious Holy Spirit. He comforts you, teaches you and points you to Christ through His Holy Word. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (Joh 14:16) (Emphasis mine).

How can you overcome your loneliness? Get in the Word, oh Christian. The Holy Spirit is waiting to bring that precious comfort to you. His comfort resides within the pages of your Bible but you must open it to receive it. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14:26) We get refreshment and encouragement within the pages of our Bible as we are drawn and taught by the Holy Spirit. How full of mercy is our Father! He knows every fiber of our being and provides living water for us to walk away refreshed. Our loneliness dissipates as we soak up His Word and see once again the light of day.

Once we are refreshed, we are commanded to go out and be a friend to someone. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: (Pro 18:24a) No one can feel alone when they are focused on helping others. There are people out there in need, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. God can use a believer who has overcome loneliness to minister to a lonely world. So many are lonely out there – won’t you let the Friend of all friends be your example? and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Pro 18:24b) Do you feel friendless? When you are born again, oh Christian, God calls you His friend. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (Joh 15:13) Jesus paid the ultimate price to be your friend. You are never alone.

Treat your loneliness today with a good dose of refreshing time in the Word; then put feet to your refreshing time, and spend time with someone who is lonely. God will use your trials to minister to another and bring glory to His Name.