A Prayer

"Why do you feel so far away when I know you are with me?""

Dear God,

I am in the midst of a storm that terrifies me.  I am looking for you in this storm and I have to say at times it is hard to find you.  At night when the terrifying truth hits me and surrounds me with fear I try to search for you and hope that you hear me and hope that you have kept your promises.  At times my heart doubts you and wants to believe that you aren't real.  The truth is you are what I have always clung to.  Now it is even harder to hold on.  I just want to go back to that night and grab my tears, the horrible things that happened to my family and others that were hurt right out of history.  I want it erased.  I don't want to deal with it or work through it.  It is too difficult to wade through.  

I try not to ask the tormenting question of why this happened.  However tempting, I know that it is useless.  I may never know why.  I also doubt that there could be  a purpose for this chaos.  I am being honest with you God because I know you know me anyway.  There is no point in hiding how I feel.  

There are constant questions that keep invading my thoughts about the future.  How I am going to take on the lives of so many people and care for them? I miss the feeling of having someone to rely on.  Everyone sees my strength and calm.  At night, in the car, going to bed, I have a panic party.  My heart sinks and I can't pick it up.  You say you collect my tears.  Help me to know that you care about me that much.  I need to feel the effect of those words.

You've kept track of my every toss and turn 

      through the sleepless nights, 

   Each tear entered in your ledger, 

      each ache written in your book.  Psalm 56:8 The Message

Give me wisdom to make the right decisions for my family.  When I can't bring them comfort be the blanket of hugs that they need.  Fill their heart and mind with a feeling of security and calm.  Help me to know what things I can do and what jobs belong to you.  Help me to filter the voices that contradict your plan for our family.    I am going to cling to the words of Kiran's favourite song.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back

I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Mat Redman

Myrtle