Tidings of Comfort and Joy

A few years ago, I met the mother of a friend. She was a very nice lady and we had a very enjoyable visit. The visit was not a deep, bare my soul, become lifelong friends type visit, (after all, I just met her) but it was nice all the same. As she left, she said goodbye and hugged me, telling me she would say a prayer for me. Thinking that was just a nice thing Christians say to one another, I thanked her. She said, "no, I mean it! I really am going to pray for you. I see in you great sadness and grief." I remember looking at her in disbelief. Sure, I'd had some rough times, multiple miscarriages, death of husband, a few weeks living in our car with an ill husband, a 3 month old and a two year old, death of my sister and her child, divorce of my parents to name a few, but I really thought I had dealt with each of those as a child of faith would. I felt I had grieved appropriately and had worked through that grief. Seeing my disbelief and perhaps even a bit of anger, she started asking me about what colors were in my house (blue--dark, deep blue) and what color I preferred in clothing , (again the same blue or black) and she launched into some long explanation about the color of grief and the soothing calm of deep blue waters and my need for that calm. I really didn't pay much attention to her, nor did I put much stock in her words. I mention it only to say that recently an old friend came to visit me and after staying for a week, she said it was nice to see me so calm and happy. Then she said, "there isn't even any blue in your house anymore--it is much more welcoming and warm". What? I knew I hadn't told her about that conversation. And yet . . . strange isn't it?
I began thinking about what has changed in my life. I began to realize that just as the children of Israel went through their time in the desert, so I'd had mine. And just as they'd relied totally on God, helpless on their own, so had I been. Realizing and accepting the fact that I was helpless in my grief and that the only lasting comfort came from Him, made me stronger, made me more joyful in the end. I realized that total dependence on Him results in total comfort and strength. And just as He is perfect, so is His comfort and His peace and His joy.
Everyday, I come across people with obvious sadness and grief. How I long to share with them the tidings of comfort and joy that comes with knowing and relying on God. I cannot imagine bearing my burdens on my own. I know my weaknesses and I have not the strength to withstand the trials life throws at me. But with God. . . . well to coin that old phrase... "Ain't no mountain high enough ....yeah I know I am taking the words to the song out of context but you know what I mean. Nothing too big, nothing too tall, nothing too dark, nothing to hard---not for my God. My God is my Rock, my Fortress, my Rescuer and my Sustainer. And my God promises to never leave me. I am happy and my comfort and joy are complete.---just had to share them with you.

Blessings
Neva