Some of us know the depths of depression and despondency.  Some of us know the lack of physical healing or the pain of incurable disease.  Some of us know the sorrow and grief of losing a precious loved one.  Some of us know family dysfunction.  Some of us know abuse that no one else can see or fathom.  And we question how this could be… 

How could a loving God leave us in pain by not healing us, even after much prayer?  How could a loving God allow so much evil to go on all around us?  How could a loving God allow the senseless shooting sprees that kill our innocent children?  How could you do that to us God?

But it’s not God who does this to us… with Adam and Eve came “the fall.”  The perfect first couple failed to heed God’s words, listening instead to the guile of sweet flattery from the serpent.  Ever since, we and this world around us have been living with sin and its imperfections.  We tend to put ourselves… our wants and desires… first. 

I remember many years ago leaders in our church said that if anyone was discouraged or depressed, they must not be a true believer in God.  How wrong and presumptuous to think that the difficulties of life can’t and won’t weary anyone, including a hardy Saint!  We’re human, as were the best examples in Scripture who dealt with their own failings and weaknesses which brought them to their knees. 

King David’s psalms of poetic devotions which vividly show his laments and pleadings, including what sound like desperation and depression at times, also showing David’s rejoicing in God’s guidance, protection and provision.  He was no different than us in the ups and downs, and sins, of life.  We all express our sorrows and laments as well as joy and thankfulness.  Yet, it could also be asked, where are we in bringing aid and comfort to the one who has been wearied by the blows of life? 

As David begins Psalm 55, he sends up a prayerful plea: “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me.  My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger.”  Yet, as verse 22 attests, David confidently reminds us to whom he could turn despite his troubles by saying, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you…”  A sentiment confirmed by the bold and outspoken Apostle Peter who said to “Cast all your anxiety/cares on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)  And this from the man who three times denied he ever knew Jesus, his Lord and closest friend!

The difficulties we face do not mean God doesn’t hear our cries, our pleas, our prayers.  Though His answers may not be what we want or expect, He will answer in His time and in His way… for He alone knows the best way to meet our needs.  His answer to our prayers may not come immediately.  Sometimes it’s not until much later that we look back and say, “So that’s why things happened that way!”  In allowing difficulties to come into our lives, God quietly gives us an opportunity to grow.  By seeking our Lord’s will through those hard times, we mature in our faith.

Even the Apostle Paul dealt with a “thorn in the flesh.”  Some have thought it might be poor vision after the brilliant light that temporarily blinded him on the road to his conversion.  We don’t know his exact problem, and it really doesn’t matter.  Paul felt it was given to him to prevent his becoming conceited.  Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, to heal him; but it was not removed and he was not healed.  Instead, what Paul heard in his heart was the Lord saying, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”   (II Corinthians 12:9 NIV) 

In the days that seem so dark, so dreary, so difficult and painful… know that you can find comfort from those around you… a spouse, a child, a dear friend, your church family, a friend within your community.  They will be there to comfort you and see you through, and point you in the right direction for help.  Assistance may even come through professionals who can provide counseling, medical care and medication.  But also know that there is another who will be there, one who will come alongside, hold you up, and carry you on those days when you can barely manage to move forward – our Lord.  I know, because He’s been there for me, for us, through dark and difficult days, with a peace I can only describe as an overwhelming warm blanket of comfort… for “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

There’s an old song I like by Rich Mullins, “That Where I Am, There You May Also Be.”  I especially appreciate the chorus, “In this world you will have trouble but I leave you my peace…”  This song is based on John 16:33 where Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” 

As my proofreader, my husband, Ed, had once commented, “It’s a feeling of complete and unexplainable tranquility knowing that nothing can shake you anymore, that God has your back whatever comes at you.  It’s knowing that you have Jesus and that He died for you; and, when the end comes, that you’re going where He is and there will be peace forever with Him…  If I had a choice between complete healing of all my disabilities or having the peace of God in my heart, I would choose peace over healing. Although very difficult at times, with God’s help I can survive my disabilities, but I cannot even begin to imagine how I could live without knowing that through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection I have a secure home in heaven after I die.  It is one of the great gifts our loving, merciful and gracious God gives us.  First, he gives life; then through belief in Christ he gives us salvation, and then because of our salvation we are cloaked in the ‘peace that passes all understanding’.  Without that peace, life would be unbearable; it would be a living hell.”  And that from a man who was legally blind with only one viable eye from birth, later going totally blind, and who spent 14 years in unending pain and difficulty with multiple overlapping diagnoses…  Those words showed the depth of my husband’s heart for our God.

It is this overwhelming peace that I have felt as our Lord wrapped His loving arms around me while in prayer, thanking Him for blessings through difficult days... in our daughter’s passing, in my husband’s blindness, extensive health issues, and his passing… and so much more.  Do I always remember to pray right away, to thank Him, and ask for His help and guidance?  No, unfortunately, I don’t.  Sometimes it’s later that I think, once again, why didn’t I go to God first?  I know I need to ask Him to change my heart just as much as I know He is there waiting for me to draw near to Him, telling me “I’ll be there…”  Just like the words we say to a friend in need - I’ll be there… as we become Christ’s hands and feet for others. 

I’ll Be There…

Linda A. Roorda 

When you feel

As though the world

Has closed in tightly all around…

I’ll be there.

~

When it seems

As though your prayers

Are never answered…

I’ll be there.

~

When the road

You’re traveling on

Seems too steep to climb…

I’ll be there.

~

When it’s hard

To face life’s challenges

That hide your peace and squelch your joy…

I’ll be there.

~

When you peer

Into nothing but darkness

That envelopes your entire world…

I’ll be there.

~

When the Lord

Does not give healing

But simply says, “Trust me…”

I’ll be there.

~

When you step

Into a bright new day

But only feel never-ending pain…

I’ll be there.

~

When you need

A hand to grasp

And an ear to hear the depths of your soul…

I’ll be there.

~

When a tear

Begins to slide

And sadness covers your entire world…

I’ll be there.

~

When your face

Looks up in prayer

While holding tight your Maker’s hand…

I’ll be there.

~

When you feel

God’s loving arms

Gently enfold as He carries you…

I’ll be there.

~

When you sense

God’s peace fill your soul

He gently whispers within your heart…

I’ll be there.