Friday, July 25, 2014

Words of hope!

"We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed..."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
 
There was a song we used to sing at the youth mass, years ago, that had these verses in it.  And I was going through a particularly difficult time.  When I'd sing the song I would get emotional, feeling the hope St. Paul is relating here. It still gives me goose bumps, reading this today.  It reminds me that, when times are difficult, that is when God is actually the closest to us, building us up from the inside.  But, the paradox is, that during those times, God may not actually feel close.  We may wonder where God is, exactly. Or (my favorite question of Spiritual Direction) what is God up to? That is where our faith comes in.  We know God is around, even though we may not feel God's comforting presence.  We trust that God will not leave us alone, because we have felt God in the past.  We rely on scriptures, such as this, to steady our heads and hearts.  And, we count on the prayers of others, when we just can't muster up a prayer ourselves. Today, if we are going through a difficult time, let us cling to these words of hope.  If we are coasting along today, let us pray for those who are struggling.  And, no matter what, let's praise God for a summer Friday!  Love, heidi 

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