The Lord Doesn't Turn Away

Most of us learn early to hide emotions that make us appear weak in the eyes of our fellow human beings.   However, there is a hidden trap in the practice of constantly suppressing emotion, because grief and fear can't be completely contained.  The stress of an emotional event such as a wedding, a funeral, or even a Hallmark commercial will release that suppressed flow in an embarrassing tide.  Who hasn't seen a strong man completely dissolve into a tearful mass of quivering jello on the occasion of a beloved daughter's wedding? 


Other people are indeed made uncomfortable and will turn away from a display of weakness, but we do ourselves a grave disservice when we assume that the Lord feels the same unease or disgust toward our pain.  When we extend the skill of hiding emotion into our relationship with the Lord, we rob ourselves of partaking of His compassion and acceptance.


The Lord does not turn away.  He feels the pain with us and accepts us even as we fall on our knees in sorrow and fear. 


It is particularly important for caregivers to spend time in God's presence daily.  We must stay in His light until the deep wells of  frustration and underlying grief have been tapped, and then partake deeply of His solace through Scripture.  If any part of this process of purging and partaking is left undone, we not only rob ourselves of peace and strength; we rob our care recipients of a clean vessel through which the Lord can minister to their needs.   

Scripture:  "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). 

Caregivers' Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for the reassurance that You do not reject or disapprove of my frustration and grief.  My heart is broken, and so daily I drag myself to Your throne, knowing that I’m a shaking, pitiful excuse for a child of God.  Thank You for Your compassion for my trembling and grief; thank You for helping me and not turning away.  Be in how others perceive me, and strengthen me so that others may partake of Your solace and strength through me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.