And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”
Luke 8:52-54 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, I must confess that most of the time I do not understand why You permit the hardships that I must endure to come into my life and lives of those I care about. If I am completely honest, I struggle with the pains of life, asking You why? And because they end often with sadness and pain, I am compelled to not bother You. Whether it is hearing from one loved one of their spouse’s cancer diagnosis, another loved one of them being let go from their job, or another loved one of the struggle they are having in their body, it all piles up. Add on top of it my own challenges and fears and I find myself just overwhelmed!
Yet today, my soul rejoices because You are the tear wiping, faith restoring lover of my soul! Seeing me when I am in that place of despair, You tell me, “Stop crying.” With compassionate care You take me by the hand and gently speak to my soul’s ear, saying, “Child, arise.” You beckon me to rise from my place of sorrow, rise from my state of despair, rise from wallowing in my pain and heartache, rise from my troubles and cares. Rise! And by the power of the Holy Spirit, Whom You have clothed me with, I can get up and keep going! And not only me, but all who call You Master!
So today, I bring to You all of my cares. And like the friends who did everything, including tearing up someone else’s house to get their friend in front of You, I bring to You the cares of my friends and loved ones, knowing that You are a God that loves Your children and wipes their eyes. Though I may not know the reason why You have permitted these hardships to come our way, I know that You are in control, and that in Your presence all of our needs will be met. Thank You for loving us that much. In You I place all of my faith and hope. Amen.