Editor's note: Yesterday, Ben Locke, author of In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near wrote a deeply encouraging devotion for us about how God is near to the brokenhearted and will work all things together for good because He is good. His goodness is not limited by our capacity to feel, see, or understand it. You can read it here. If you're suffering, this is for you! Today, enjoy this excerpt of In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near. * |
I am downcast empty distraught. This suffering follows me; dark clouds consume all of my days. Father, I submit now, because I have no other option. You have blessed me so deeply, but right now, all I feel is hurt. At Your feet I lay my spirit. Broken and weak, I fall before the throne of my Savior. How long can I suffer, Lord? When will this pain be removed from me? Come now, do not wait any longer, for my hope blows away with the wind; clarity hides itself from me. My days have been filled with anguish. I look behind me, and all I see is trouble; I look ahead and see despair waiting. Heal me now, O Lord, take this cup away from me, for I cannot bear it. Bring a massacre on the evil that surrounds me; destroy it with Your right hand in an instant. I am on my knees. I cannot bear to lift my head. Go forth before me, clear a path ahead of me, and I will rejoice at Your name. I will sing praise with every breath; my hands will serve Your Kingdom. In your mercy, Father, save me. Declare victory for your child; let your name be conqueror in this place. Amen. * |
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With a voice like thunder, You say: Beloved, come and rise again, the depths of My mercy will set you free. |
With a voice like thunder, You say: Beloved, come and rise again, the depths of My mercy will set you free. |
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Father, my soul cries out in desperation, my spirit shatters in despair, when I consider separation from Your mercy. For if I knew not of Your grace, I would no longer wish to live. I would give myself over to dust and ashes, never to be heard from again. The pain would be too great; destruction would have its way with me. But... You, O Lord, pull me from the ashes. You pick me up from the pit of despair. You hold me close. With a voice like thunder, You say: Beloved, come and rise again, the depths of My mercy will set you free. As far as the East is from the West, so have your sins been separated from you. Listen to My voice; hear My call. You have been sanctified by the blood of the Lamb. In your depravity, your desolation, you have continued to seek your Holy Creator. Be set free, for My righteousness has covered the costs. You will see My goodness. My mercy will walk beside you. Nothing will stand between us again—this I promise. I will worship the King forevermore. His goodness brings tears to my eyes, and trembling to my knees. I will never seek my identity elsewhere again, for You are my only hope. Amen. |
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In despair, we have the gift of lament. God wants to hear every groan, every cry, every sadness so that He can be near to us. Seeking His face in tears is a beautiful form of worship, so bring it all to Him. ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Find hope when your world is falling apart |
In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near: Prayers of Hope for the Hurting |
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+ FREE shipping with code SUMMER |
Hardship and adversity touch everyone--illness, grief, accidents, trauma, loneliness, relationship struggles, financial crises, sin, addiction, life stressors, and so much more can leave you feeling lost, hopeless, and isolated. You are not alone. When author Ben Locke was in his darkest valleys, he was determined to tell God exactly what he thought. He poured out his agony and anger--and was met with God's grace, love, forgiveness, and mercy. He discovered in those moments that God can handle it. All of it. And the prayers that poured out Ben's experience offer a road map for you to take your sorrows, grief, and troubles to God, knowing He will meet you in your time of suffering. In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near can be a light in the darkness if you ever: - Feel like questioning, yelling at, doubting, or even denouncing God
- Want to separate from the church
- Wonder if God is listening to your prayers and cares about your troubles
- Do not know what to do with your anger
- Fear that life will be this way forever
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Exclusively at FaithGateway: Purchase In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near and receive free Psalm 35 and Psalm 145 decorative printables-- delivered to your email after purchase from FaithGateway! |
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The psalm like prayers borne out of these experiences will meet you in your own moments of suffering. But they are more than prayers. They're cries for help and explosions of anger, mourning, weeping, grieving, celebrating, rejoicing, and praising. They're liturgies to heal your soul, balm for your wounds, and tender mercies for your heartache. This book will help you know that: - God is with you, even if you don't feel Him or understand what is happening
- God offers you grace and mercy, no matter what
- God delivers you and gives you strength
Let these words help you articulate your own sorrows, bring you to your knees, encourage you to confess your insufficiency, and express your most genuine emotions. In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near will help find hope in God when your world is falling apart. God can handle your suffering. So, tell Him. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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