when tragedy strikes
why suffering?
the suffering of fools
temptations, tests, and trials
why does God test man, part one
testing and the education of life
what my cat taught me about testing, and trusting
why does God test man, part two
we are the clay
judging suffering
when we suffer: a warning
help when we hurt
flip the switch
the poetry of drawing near
hearts wounded by suffering
what my thimble taught me
pride: the hidden problem with hardness
portrait of a yielded heart
the poetry of a yielded heart
comfort when we suffer
taking comfort: psalm 42
the poetry of taking comfort
comfort, comfort, o my people
comfort as a mother comforts
a rabbit trail
the poetry of intimacy
The felt presence of God, and His felt love for us, His felt peace and His felt joy, are manifested in our lives when we take the time to develop a personal and intimate relationship with Him daily. (More on that coming.) It is His felt presence which comforts us in our suffering. It is His felt presence with me daily, and His felt love for me, and the peace that passes understanding, that has kept me, not only sane, but also joyful, while we have gone through tremendous trials in the past few years. One nationally-known minister, when he heard half of the trials that we have endured, said that the weight of just those things would have crippled most people. Why do I say that, to boast? No, but to boast in the Lord, to testify that His presence, His love, His peace, and His joy provide such strong comfort that all who are His can not only endure the worst trials of life, but flourish under them.
“Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promise to Your servant.” Psa 119:76
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” Joh 14:16-18
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Act 9:31
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Phi 2:1-2
why don’t I feel God?
christians and suffering
back from the abyss
Mom, you are such an encouragement to me! Thank you for listening to the heart of the Lord, He speaks through you! This is exeactly what I needed to hear today, and what most people need to be reminded of when they start asking, "why me?" I can't wait for more to come!
… to hear from you, dear, here on the Internet; it was a pleasant and sweet surprise! I love you – Love, Mom