The world of online friendships has brought with it so many blessings but surely the hardest aspect of this world is the lack of physical contact. There are times when all you want to do is sit with a dear friend going through a time of suffering and hold them close and weep with them. Words on a screen seem so inadequate at such a time to convey how you feel, how your heart is burdened for them. “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
When I have walked through dark valleys myself, I have always had a desperate urge to know that I am not alone, that there are others who can understand what I am going through, and can identify with how I am feeling, who can show by a look in their eye that they know. Yet this has rarely happened, for as the Proverb states, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy” (Proverbs 14:10). We all share in the burden of suffering, but each one has been given their own load to carry. Lack of identification with a particular sorrow has not meant a lack of compassion however, and it has been a profound blessing to me to have been given the gift of compassionate friends over the years.
Yet surely the greatest gift of all has been the understanding that my Creator and my Lord is One to whom I can turn for comfort and solace, for having been made in human flesh, he is able to empathize with our weaknesses. He understands. He knows.
So instead of being able to hug my dear friend and weep with her, I point her to Him, and I lift her up before Him, carrying her burden to the One who “goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
I AM NOT ALONE (written in 1999)
The greatest fear I have is that I’m on my own
That no-one can truly understand what I am going through
Dark nights of my soul, deep anguish in my heart
From this agony I long to be set free
I needed a friend, someone to stand with me
Who’s suffered the pain and can encourage me
Will I ever comprehend this amazing truth -
My Creator and my Lord can empathize with me
Chorus:
As I look into His eyes
As I look into His eyes
My heart skips a beat – I have to look again
Compassion in His eyes clearly says “I know”
I am reassured that I am not alone.
The pain I feel is nothing when compared with His
The Father turned His back on Him, could not bear to look
Will I ever comprehend the torment of His soul
As on that brutal cross He hung, my sin upon His back
Chorus
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This is a beautiful post Diana. Though we all may be spread around the globe we are united by a bond that has no boundary.
ReplyDeleteI love you and our sisters. Truly we are one in Christ!
I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel your embrace through your words, sister.
No more words, just tears.
Oh, my dear dear Becky...precious sister, I love you, we are all standing with you, lifting you up to Him. Yes, no more words, just tears.
ReplyDeleteDiana this was so moving, and yes we have all been to that place you so hauntingly describe. I think of what our Lord suffered and it's no comparison to our suffering but yet he cares for each of us and He promises to carry that load. I think it's exactly why we cannot totally comprehend each other's suffering in a totally intimate way, so that we indeed turn to Jesus. As hard as this time is, I can rest knowing that our Lord is taking care of our precious Sisters, and I know there is an extra measure of Grace for Becky and Norma and their families right now. I love you all so very much, and I love God that He would allow me to be friends with such loving women. Love you Diana, and I love that giant heart of yours, so bursting full of the Love of Christ!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Yes, Christ, the sweetest Sympathizer of all, is the fountain we must run to first and foremost. It is He and His grace that fills us to love so deeply and so well! Grace and love!
ReplyDeleteDiane, Teresa and Petra - yes, yes, He is the sweetest Sympathizer of all. What blessing it is to be sisters with you, to share our knowledge and love of Him. Love you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Diana.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this when you first posted it, but your words come to me now in my hour of need and they are soothing down to the marrow.
ReplyDeleteIt is well with my soul.
Thank you, Diana.
-L
♥
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