April 2023. I was serving on the pastoral team of a church plant in Madison, Tennessee. One Sunday morning, I was driving to church—praying, thinking through the morning, doing what I always did. But in the middle of that routine prayer, something unexpected came out of my mouth.
I said, “Lord, I don’t want you to take away my disease (I suffer from Lyme disease) if it means I lose what I’ve been experiencing of you.”
As soon as I said it, I started to weep. Because in that moment, I realized something had shifted in me. My heart had turned from “God, take away my pain” to “God, enter my pain with me.”
That shift captures the heart of Psalm 42. This psalm gives voice to the lived experience of the Christian life, where our cries of “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?” meet the quiet, steady reminder to “Put your hope in God” (Psalm 42:5). Yet as much as we want to lift our souls by sheer willpower, this is not a self-help command. The psalmist isn’t telling us to muster positivity or force belief; he’s modeling what it sounds like to pray through the pain, to bring our weary hearts into the presence of God.
When the psalm says, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God” (v.1), we begin to see what that looks like. The image of the panting deer is not decorative, it’s diagnostic. It shows us that our deepest hope in suffering is not escape but encounter. The deer’s exhaustion mirrors our own: After running for miles with no rest, lungs gasping, strength fading, she finally stops and searches for water. That is what the downcast soul does. It longs, aches, and pants for the only stream that can restore it: God Himself.
The presence of God does not erase our pain but meets us in it. When our tears have become our food day and night, when everything around us shouts, “Where is your God?” (v.3), the weary soul finds the living water of God. There, hope is refreshed again, echoing the psalmist’s words: “The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life” (v.8). God can take the tears that once starved our souls and turn them into a song, harmonizing the melody of His steadfast love with our cries of pain.
I think back to that drive often. I still live with pain. I still pray for healing. But I no longer pray as one searching for escape but for more of an encounter with the Redeemer of my pain. I’ve learned that the tears that once drowned my prayers have become part of the song God is writing in me. And even when my soul feels downcast, I can say with quiet confidence: “Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 11).
Written by Ryne Brewer
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134 thoughts on "Psalms 42–45"
I needed this reminder. I suffer from a chronic illness and I had been so mad at god for so long for flipping my life upside but now I am grateful because I grew close to him because of it
❤️ this reminder
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Bring it on, whatever you want to throw at me. I will still praise him because I am a child of God and the story has already been written. This is just a page.
What a beautiful reminded that on this side of eternity, pain will be our companion but even more so, God is ever present.
“The presence of God does not erase our pain but meets us in it.”
Amen
Meet me Lord in my financial crisis. Provide for us as you have always done.
Friend, we have been there and God will show up. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.
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Wow. Just wow
The song, As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs for You, comes to mind. The knowing that God walks with us in hard times and calls us to come drawnear, drink of His living water….so much….so grateful for His word that renews, refreshes and strerngthens me in times of trials and tribulations and then takes me to the banqueting table to feast with Him at the marriage of the Lamb! Oh, my heart is filled 2ith praise, with joy with adoration of the King!
Wow! God doesn’t eraser your pain but meets us in it. What a great reminder of that today. I am not going to lie I think sometimes I pray for it to end but that might not be what God wants but he will never leave me alone.
As a deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God! – Psalm 42:1
I love this verse
Thank you all for your thoughts and comments about chronic pain. That was what I struggled with the most on my recent mission trip, and I realize that I got caught in a trap of self-pity—not just for the extra physical pain that I face all the time, but also for the hurt of watching all of the lovely young families participating on the trip—watching them function as healthy, loving families made me realize how much my kids and I missed out on. I really couldn’t articulate it until halfway through the trip, but now it is quite obvious to me how much I was incapacitated by grief. And now that I’m home, I have a sinus infection or some other such lovely thing that is slowing me down and keeping me dependent on the Lord—which I always am, of course. I’m just really aware of it right now. Fighting congestion to breathe will do that to you—haha!
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I love that God is with us no matter how we feel. I am such a feeler, and I have to remember that feelings are important, but they aren’t reality. I know that Jesus is still Lord and still in control, no matter what I feel.
Amen, Jennifer..❤️
Happy Friday, Shes. I’m back after a few days away, and while I spent my nights catching up somehow from my small phone, I could not read so well there. I want to say a profound thank you for your intercession. Your prayers truly worked. There has been a complete turnaround, the atmosphere has shifted from tension to joy, peace, and kindness. My little one is recovering well and the fever has finally gone. During those long nights, keeping a cold cloth on her head, I stood on the authority we have as believers and refused to give in to despair. Even when temptation of despair can flood into our mind in the dark, remembering joy comes in the morning, new mercies I will see, choosing thankfulness and remembering God’s past faithfulness acted as a propeller / catapult that can pull us out of the mud of despair. Thank you for keeping me accountable to dwell on thoughts of hope and strength (“whatever is good and praise worthy, think on those things”). I also have a praise report: despite a week of heavy deadlines and a performance review meeting, which usually triggers me, the Lord surprised me. The Lord previously showed me last year how I had made my career an idol, performance review was like getting a report card for me, tying my worth to an ‘A’ grade. As Psalm 39:11 of yesterday says, He consumed what was dear to me until I realized He is my only true reward (“When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him…”). In that surrender, agreeing to watch the dear things consumed, burned away, He was gracious enough to grant me both a promotion to a senior position and the favor of friendship with those who once opposed me. I could not believe it. I was speechless at the grace of God. He has turned opposition into friendship for me and granted me peace. GOD is truly good.
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Joining our shes in prayers, GRAMSIESUE (so sorry about Steve’s health and your business, praying), CEE GEE (God’s grace over the mistake and the protection over your finances, new changes to be welcomed), SHARON JG (Jonathan’s move back to transition smoothly), CAT-TEE (safe travel and miracles of healing for your mother, strength for everyone enduring), FOSTER MAMA (thank you for the idea of focused hours, I love it, quite genius really, praying for your boy). Thank you SEARCHING for leading the charge, and to all my Shes for your incredible faithfulness in prayers. Many of us including me are truly the humble beneficiaries of your devotion to prayers, your collective intercession has truly carried many of us through. It’s a beautiful thing to be part of such a faithful circle of sisters who pray with authority and love. To hear the testimonies of deliverance afterwards is just a big encouragement. I am so thankful for you and you are truly the gift of God in a time like this.
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The prayers of the righteous availeth much (James 5:16)- amen indeed.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
Praise God!
Wow, I love how you handled your review this year!! That is growth my friend, and you were rewarded!! Congrats!
How AWEsome,sweet sister!!! Thank you for the prayers!!! ❤
Praise the Lord, Mercy, for blessing upon blessing upon blessing and thank you for testifying of His goodness! Love you, sister.
Oh Mercy, what great news, on all counts! Father God is so good. Thankful the little one is on the road to recovery.
Much love and prayers..❤️
Praise the Lord for all of these, Mercy
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I suffer from a lot of physical and mental illnesses and I often find myself crying out to the Lord for help, either to take the pain or give me the comfort and strength for it. It’s hard, but I know the Lord is with me. I know He hears me.
♥️ You are never alone! He takes up our burdens and walks along side us in every season, through every trial and triumph He is near!
Jessica, He is always with you , always, Sending you some relieving love covered in prayers ❤️
I felt this so deeply when I walked through dealing with my husband’s affair. It wasn’t physical pain, per se, but at the moment I was in deep turmoil and needed God to enter the pain with me. I never felt so close to Him during that painful time. And although the pain of that experience has faded, I long for that closeness with my Father that I felt in that moment. Living with pain on a daily basis must be so draining. I cannot even imagine what some of you are carrying. What a wonderful Savior we have to enter that pain with us.
Laura! I miss your daily comments. You always shares so much wisdom. I think you have so many ministries that you could help people. I hope your daughter is still a part of your family. And still keeping your son in prayer too. (do we have them on our Prodigal prayer list??)
‘Tis true Laura, Father God is always in the pain and suffering with us..
Good to see you here.❤️
Finally got here! I read this morning and then had to scoot. ☺ Anxious to read all of your comments!
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RYNE BREWER- How your devo tugged at my heart! Thank you for showing us a great example of faith through adversity!
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Ryne’s statement is so powerful:
“The image of the panting deer is not decorative,
it’s diagnostic. It shows us that our deepest hope in suffering is not escape but encounter.”
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From Enduring Word Study Bible (Lent application to me):
Psalm 45:10-11
“Now the psalmist turned to the bride and spoke to her with encouragement and guidance. Knowing that Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah and King and that He was never married during His earthly life, we understand these verses connect with a familiar metaphor: the church of Jesus as His bride
(see Eph. 5:25–27).
Being joined to the anointed King in marriage means many benefits for this royal daughter. She receives gifts from the nations and is set in a high place. This is true for the church as the bride of Jesus Christ.”
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This song appears to be AI generated, but the lyrics (on screen) are so beautiful. I think another SHE shared a song from this channel not too long ago. If anyone remembers that, please let me know. I can’t remember that song. I just remember it being beautiful. ☺
SONG SHARE:
The Bride Is Waiting | A Song About the Coming of Jesus For His Bride | Messianic Song
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
I read the enduring word commentary on psalm 45 too! so beautiful!
Sweet! ❤
❤️, hugs..Cee Gee ❤️
❤ hugs back, Tina!
I have several autoimmune diseases, and reading Ryne’s words: “our deepest hope in suffering is not escape but encounter,” whew!! What a WORD that was!
Prayers, I put your name on the Chronic Pain list.
This is good. Thank you for putting it into one sentence.
hugs..Carmen. They are for sure humbling words..❤️
Just like Mollie I was reminded of the song “As the Deer”
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As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship Thee.
You alone are my strength, my shield; To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship Thee.
You’re my friend and you are my brother even though You are a King.
I love You more than any other; So much more than anything.
You alone are my strength my shield; to You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee.
I want You more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy-giver and the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength my shield; To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee.
Martin Nystrom
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Happy Friday She’s.
It’s been a busy week and there’s still more to do. Working every day until next Sunday but thankful for the work. Pray for my husband please. He retired in October and when I was away in January he got sick and has had trouble breathing ever since. We are trying to patiently wait for the pulmonologist appointment to find out what is going on. He hasn’t the energy to do much and it is very frustrating for me. Having had the freedom this last year of no caregiving I am ready to have some more fun and adventures with him.
On another note praise that our youngest and his girlfriend of 3 and a half years will be married on May 18th. They have had their house for nearly a year and we strongly talked with him about “putting the cart before the horse” when purchasing their home.
Both our boys are believers. The fiancé is not but recently they purchased a Bible for her.
Thank you for all your comments every day for they are such an encouragement to me.
so much different news..prayers for your husband. Praise for you sons, prayers for the fiance. Wasn’t your son’s surgery this month??
Rhonda, other son, he still has weight to lose. I am now hoping for sometime in the summer. He has his best friend’s wedding the end of March and is best man for his brother in May. He got off track with the holidays and he had some issues with his medication that put him in a bad mental state. Thank you for asking.
Praying for your husband and congrats on the upcoming marriage. Praying for your future daughter in law to know God and to fall in love with the Word and be transformed.
Leanne, I’m sorry for your husbands troubles and of course that affects you. Praying the appointment date arrives soon and that there is relief in breathe difficulties until then..
Excited for the news of your son and fiancé upcoming marriage.. it is well Leanne, they got there in the end by Gods grace.
For the fiancé with a bible in her hands, i pray she soars in her getting to know our Jesus and what He has and continues to do for us..
It is indeed well.
Much love and prayers, Leanne..❤️
Joining with Tina in prayer, Leanna.
A shift of focus could benefit us all (“God, take away my pain” as opposed to “God, enter my pain with me.”). This can apply to physical or emotional pain, right? So good!
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And… when others ask, “Where is your God?” make sure to answer, “RIGHT HERE!”
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I’m just sayin’.
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“God, take away my pain” to “God, enter my pain with me.”
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This would be good to remember. How often I cry out to God to remove the pain – whether it’s physical or the pain of knowing your loved ones don’t know Christ.
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Our pain is an invitation to the God of all comfort, to come and minister to our souls during our most difficult times. Let us not forget (and I’m mostly speaking to me) that our pain is not without purpose. I can choose to allow it to grow me closer to God or I can choose to let it take me away from Him…May I always choose God and put my hope in Him alone.
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Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11, 43:5
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Have a blessed Friday She’s! ❤️
Yes! So good Sharon! “Our pain can take us to him, or away from him!” That is why it’s so important to share with others our own hurts and pain, to point to God, the one we cling to!
May I always choose God and put my hope in Him alone… Amen, Sharon.. ❤️❤️❤️
“God, enter my pain with me.” “…our deepest hope in suffering is not escape but encounter.” “The presence of God does not erase our pain but meets us in it.” “BUT I no longer pray as one searching for escape but for more of an encounter with the REDEEMER of my pain.” WOW…this was so good! I went to my bible study last night for divorced women (two of us are still in the middle of it) AND we talked about something similar. None us are angry with God. We know our JESUS was with us and still is through every step. I mentioned to them that was me, praying and pleading with JESUS asking “how-much-longer” Until one morning I surrendered and said “OKAY” God if this is the thorn in my flesh so be it! I accept it. Just help me through it. AND shortly after that I was able to leave my abusive home. God is good! I am not angry with God! He is SO good! I know He was with me when I cried so hard inside the garage, inside my car so no one would hear me, especially my kiddos. Sigh….God is GOOD!
Yes! Praise the Lord! And NOW he is using YOU to start a group that will be so helpful to others going through it!! That is what it is all about!!
Our tests, become our testimonies!
Our pain, becomes our purpose.
Our mess, our messages!
I am so proud of you! I remember it so clearly when you shared with us She’s your situation when you left!! It has encouraged people you will never know! Love you friend!
Aw……LOVE you too Rhonda!!!!!
Such truth Rhonda..
Sharing our journeys and whst God has and can do, for sure is what we are called to do.. ❤️
Well done Mari V.. Jesus loves you so so much, and i, love you too❤️❤️
I Bible study I was in a long time ago, shared Psalm 42:5 to music. I often find myself singing it as a prayer to God when my soul is downcast. I had forgotten which book of Psalms it was from. I’m happy to find it today! Praying for all the request this morning and thanking the Lord for all of you.
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I never talk about this, but with today’s devotional it feels appropriate, as someone with dehibilitaing Lyme Disease for 11 years now that has altered so many parts of who I once was. Rhines words hit home for me today. I feel like my cries to the Lord are not what they should be. Thankful for this devotional opening my eyes to a new way end entering prayer.
Your right, I have never heard you say this. There is great beauty though in sharing. You are not meant to deal with it on your own. Yes, God first. But when my group gets together each week, we have such relief in knowing we all “get it,” all the little things we don’t have to explain, and it makes us feel less alone. We can share, and then all look to God in prayer and studies.
I have some really good books we have done if you are interested.
Can I add you to our Chronic Pain and Illness list? You are Mollie R, correct?
Yes I’d love to be added and get book recommendations, it’s Mollie May.
Was I added to that list? RA, Sjogrens, Hashimoto’s.
Praying for you MIA FAITH and MOLLIE MAY❤️. Btw, MIA FAITH, how was your granddaughter stem cell harvest result?
Mia Faith, you and yours are often in my prayers. Hopeful life is treating you well and that you feel Gods nearness and our love daily..
Continued prayers covered in hugs.
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How did your granddaughters stem cell op go.. prayerful, it is well..❤️❤️
Oh we talk about this juxtaposition so often in our Enduring Chronic Pain group at church. Praying for healing with full on faith and no room for nothing else (as some faithful ones believe) or those like the writer…God, enter my pain with me!
I have to be honest, I have lived with Chronic pain for most of my adult life having had spinal fusion for scoliosis at age 13, and casts and braces since first grade. Back then I think it was more the pride and uncomfortableness of the contraptions than pain. But after an intense revision surgery in 2004, that left me with chronic daily back pain and nerve damage down my left leg, that gives an unending feeling of tingles and tightness day and night. But yet, I always saw it as something to deal with and move on. It was a few years into the recovery, when no improvement had come that I realized God was giving me such a unique experience to move my newly opened fitness studio (all a God thing in itself) to more of a place where people that suffered with chronic illnesses and conditions could come to get specific training! (yes, by me!!) I didn’t even go looking for them or advertise…God brought them all to me!! Those with Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, etc. and one of my most painful, beautiful friendships’ with ALS.
God has used my experience to help others!! And that’s what a rally our current group with each week- God wants us to be an example AS we suffer, not waiting until a Healing Miracle to happen to Give HIM PRAISE!!! He is worthy of our worship and praise as we go through all things.
What an example to others when we show up when we don’t want to. When we have a smile on our face IN our suffering!
You know we would not spend so much time with God if we were well. I always say I would be out living my dream of Beach Girl Life, on a paddle board daily playing with the manatees, and having fun down here in SWF. And I moved here 6 years ago for that reason, I said my back is only getting worse, I want to go while I can still do things. So I am incredibly thankful for those fun years. But as my back as gotten worse, and me and the couch are better friends than my bike or Paddle board, well, guess who spends more time doing things for the Lord?! Guess who started a chronic Pain group, guess who goes to jail ministry? Oh..yes. God has me right where He wants me, and I too, LOVE my life right now- despite the pain!!!
I recently got asked to share my pain in a book a friend was writing. It was really an eye-opening reminder of all the places God has been with me through my life. Every step of the way. In small ways, and true miracles! I thought my leg was paralyzed after surgery, but the Lord showed off that He would take care of that. And to somehow give me a way to open my dream of a training studio…just a few months after my spine surgery…MIRACULOUS!! (I had no business experience!!) and I had it and worked long hours, with a 4 year old, for 8 fabulous years! I was able to close it on my own accord. not lack of clients!
Oh How I can praise the Lord on and on! It is so good to write down your life story and highlight all the places God was mapping it. I shared recently that my women’s group did a study called “My Story Your Glory” by Matthew West’s devotional book. He really breaks it down in a very easy way to focus on different subjects (like Broken Road, Pain, Praise, Forgiveness, etc.) to remind you of where and how God was with you in that part of your life, and how that is a testimony in itself.
We often look at people like Joni Erickson-Tada (in a wheelchair since a diving accident at 17-now over 65) and Nick Vujicic, born with no arms or legs. Their hardships, yet passion for the Lord, are such an example of not letting your condition and suffering STOP YOU FROM doing GOD’S work in your life, and giving HIM GLORY!!
Also, we love the episode in The Chosen where Little James asks Jesus, why hasn’t he been healed when they are obviously healing others!! His answer..God is using you in a different way..How MUCH MORE will people see your love for God AS YOU ARE NOT HEALED, YET still stay with me. WHEWWWWW!! SO GOOD.
Stay steadfast. Stay faithful. God is with you in your pain…He will NEVER leave or forsake you. When you don’t get instant healing, it doesn’t mean He is not hearing or answering. For you WILL be healed one day, if your hope is in Him. And, let him use you in the interim. You may be stuck on the couch like me some days (lots of days) but you know there are plenty of things to do rather than stare at a TV or your phone all day- You can pray for others. You can make a phone call of encouragement to a friend or family member (or text). You can write a letter to someone (I write many to butterflies in jail). You can start writing YOUR STORY out (get a tablet to do this or a small laptop like I use). You can text someone and ask for prayer for yourself- do you know that is a way to bless others to let them pray for you. AND YOU could start a chronic pain group at your church!! So many suffer in silence, and the devil loves to isolate you, and make you suffer on your own. Don’t do that. It can lead to depression. Look at Paul’s account as well, and the countless examples of suffering in the Bible to bring about God’s will and Glory. Paul ask 3x that the Lord take away the thorn in his side. And the Lord said no. It was to keep his humility. Ouch. Yep..if I was well and fit, I did have lots of Pride.
Give me your name to add to our Chronic Pain Sufferers prayer list to put on our Facebook She’s Page. (like our Prodigal’s list) It will be a list that we can pray for the names and specific bible verses.
You go girl! this makes my occupational therapist heart so happy. I love to see people do what they love to do DESPITE the pain. we are more than conquers! one very memorable evaluation for a woman, her very charismatic husband decided to chime in and tell me that her condition and his condition were bc of a lack of faith. he went on and on, and my chest was burning inside me(like psalm 39) and finally I looked at him and said all prayers are answered but not all prayers are answered yes, and he said that is not biblical and started cherry picking some verses at me and I quoted Paul’s your strength is made perfect in my weakness like you said! and that was that. never saw him again.
Oh I love that you do Occupational therapy! You probably deal with lots of grumpy people as I was after surgery! lol. Good for you for saying truth! I have had people say I must not believe enough for healing. It gets very aggravating. I wouldn’t have all my great testimonies if I was healed 20 years ago! It’s all in God’s perfect timing. And if he says no, I’m okay with that too.
Rhonda, thank you so much for sharing this. I had a spinal fusion for complicated scoliosis in 2012. The pain has started to creep back in and recent X-rays have shown that my curve is progressing despite my rods. Infertility is my primary battle right now, but I expect more spine surgery is in my future. I appreciate you sharing your perspective, you are such an inspiration! I’m usually on the Facebook page but I’m taking Lent to detox from scrolling on social media and refocus my heart – I’ll be back after Easter!
RHONDA.. You are on a roll.
Father God sure has and is using you! Your testimony here is so so beautiful and my heart just wanted to jump into the comment and hug you!
You truly are an channel of Gods goodness and love for all.
praying God continue to use you mightily. You are an example to us all.
Every blessing dear, wonderful Rhonda.. go girl for Jesus..❤️❤️❤️
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And once again, praise the Lord for these Psalms. “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11
I know I am not the only one feeling the weight of just so much right now. The devotional is so good today, so relatable and these thoughts stand out to me “The presence of God does not erase our pain but meets us in it” and “It shows us that our deepest hope in suffering is not escape but encounter.”
I have been reminded countless times over the years but especially in the last 4 that we should not wish away the things that keep us on our knees before the Lord. He is near and all our hope is in Jesus.
Thank you Heavenly Father. Remind us of your nearness and presence and help us to see the blessing of an encounter with you
Yes, that is when we finally get beyond ourselves and call out vehemently to God!
Amen, Wendy❤️❤️
One of the most moving devotionals I’ve ever read – thank you, Ryne Brewer.
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In our Names of God study, Psalm 42 was included in the Scripture readings and I wrote:
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In NKJV, Psalms 42-72 are noted as Book 2, “Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses.” He is always with us, always working in our behalf, and we yearn to see Him and what He’s doing in the hard times. Lord, I pray my faith and trust in You alone would be strengthened.
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Ps 42:2 “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”
Only God can satisfy that thirst, that longing for peace, completeness, safety.
This study was last summer and bears going back to again and again.
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LYNNE FROM AL ❤️ love you, sister!
WENDY B ❤️ your comment yesterday on Ps 38, thank you
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying as Jonathan moves back and resets, may he turn to the Lord
RHONDA J ❤️
FOSTER MAMA ❤️
TRICIA C ❤️ “I can do a whole bunch of things and sacrifice a whole lot of time for things that I think are for the Lord, but if I am not following his will and his direction it doesn’t mean a thing.”
SUSAN BURLEY ❤️
KIM HAWKINS ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ memories of that little country church, Draw Me Nearer. We need that desire today. Praying no harm comes from H’s mistake. Mine willingly lets me handle financial matters, so he can do fun things!
MI SHERRY continuing to pray for young family
MARIA B praying for wisdom, caution and safety for your friend
INDIANA ELAINE :)
CAT-TEE praying for mom’s recovery and decision-making wisdom as needed
ANNA FAITH praying for provision for a car
Love your shares from the previous study! ❤
Agreeing in prayer. Any updates on your requests?
Joining you in prayers ❤️
So good to be able to look back at previous studies and our comments!
To be reminded of perhaps what we wrote, thought and scribbled..
i shall go check on what i wrote too.
Searching, you are an inspiration, a prayer warrior and a real example of loving one another, and i am so glad i journey with you ..❤️❤️
Beautiful teaching ❤️
Psalm 42:1-2 and the song ‘As the Deer Panteth for the Water (My Heart’s Desire)’ are always to perfect together.
Wow! This devotional really spoke to me. God didn’t deliver Jack from his illness or me from caregiver duties (on this earth) but was present with us the entire journey!
For those of you who suffer from chronic pain/illness GOD IS PRESENT WITH YOU!
Love and hugs to all! ❤️. I am praying for all of your requests.
Praying for you today Lynne as you remember your precious Jack. ❤️
Yes, prayers for you Lynne during this hard anniversary. YOU are so dear to us!! I still have to put together your list for our group!! I haven’t forgotten, just been busy! I will do it today or this wkd!
I echo the prayers of SJG and Rhonda J. Bless you today and always, dear Lynne. ❤️
May the Lord heal your heart and grant you peace.
Lynne, thinking of you as I lay my head in rest from a busy day.
Sending you love wrapped in hugs and prayers that today is or has been a good day covered in sweet memories of Jack and that God has covered you in the shelter of His love and peace of heart..
love you Lynne.. hugs..❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ve been thinking of you and praying for you today, Lynne. May God be near and your heart filled with comfort ❤️
Amen
“The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night—a prayer to the God of my life.”
Will be holding this verse close.
Thank you all for your prayers. Had a safe, uneventful trip to my mom. She is in so much pain and having breathing difficulties – so glad I am here. Lots of questions and concerns for what lies ahead. Will be working hard to give it all to God to have him meet us where we are.
CAT-TEE, I’m glad you are there and safe. It’s hard when we don’t know the answers BUT,…(Oh! God just convicted my heart about my own situation as I’m trying to write to you)….WE DO KNOW the One who knows and holds the future…and He is indeed Worthy of our trust!!
✝️
Oh, my Jesus, that was kinda sneaky, how You used my heart for my sister to speak to me…I LOVE IT AND YOU❤️ Please keep the reassurance of who You are coming❤️✝️
lol…I do love when that happens. Same when I am trying to encourage people, oh how good it is for ourselves!! He speaks it into us! :)
Continued prayers for your mom, you and your sister. Praise the Lord for safe travels!
Continuing prayers for your mom
Thankful for safe travel, Cat-tee! Continued prayers for wisdom and clarity and for decreasing pain for your mom! ❤
So good to be able to look back at previous studies and our comments!
To be reminded of perhaps what we wrote, thought and scribbled..
i shall go check on what i wrote too.
Searching, you are an inspiration, a prayer warrior and a real example of loving one another, and i am so glad i journey with you ..❤️❤️
Not sure what that was about, sorry.:)
So good! These thought put beautifully into words what I’ve been learning over the past few years. I want to share Psalm 42 and these thoughts on it with everyone who has chronic illness in their bodies! This has helped me so much today!
Yes, I am right there with you! I have started a list of our She’s with Chronic Illness to put on our FB page along with some scripture. I will add you. Anyone with Chronic Pain Put your names in the comments, and if you want to share what you suffer with you can add that or not. Ex.
Rhonda J.- Chronic back pain and nerve damage on left leg.
What a powerful word.
So,so good
This made me think of a song by Hillary Scott.
“What if our blessings come through raindrops? What if our healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re here? What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?”
I thank the Lord for His closeness right now in this difficult season. I pray I can faithfully draw near to Him and trust He is leading me in the way of life.
Happy Friday She’s!
Oh MEAGAN C…I remember when that song first came out and listening several times….then I forgot ALL about it….THANK YOU ❤️❣️
It’s actually originally from Laura Story- written when her husband was enduring a hard diagnosis.
Ah yes, I have that book, but haven’t read it yet.
I love that song.
❤️
Wow! This devotional really spoke to me. God didn’t deliver Jack from his illness or me from caregiver duties (on this earth) but was present with us the entire journey!
For those of you who suffer from chronic pain/illness GOD IS PRESENT WITH YOU!
Love and hugs to all! ❤️. I am praying for all of your requests.
The song is Blessings by Laura Story.
Love that song, too! Wish it was still played on the radio! Today’s weather is perfect for the lyrics! ❤
❤️
Great comparison ♥️
I love that song.. thank you for the reminder of it, Megan.
Yes indeed .. what if your blessing came through.. what you believe to be your trials..
❤️
Thank you all for the correction! I had 2 songs in my mind at the moment. Laura does a beautiful job. Have a great weekend!
Amen❤️
Psalm 42:8 “The Lord will send his faithful love by day;
his song will be with me in the night—
a prayer to the God of my life.”
.
Jesus is with me IN the trials and troubles of this life. What could be more comforting?
.
SEARCHING – how is the family member with the pad break in leg? And Liz’s surgery?
.
WENDY B – praying your FIL is discharged and settles in quickly in the new plaace with your MIL.
.
CEE GEE – praying the Lord protects your information. ✨️ To your question, things at work are fine. The company moved this week into our own building, and things are a little out of sorts until we all settle in and unpack.
Thank you Kell. He was discharged on Wednesday and thus far, praise the Lord things are going better than expected.
Prayers for your FIL. When I think of the situation and how scary and odd it was, yet they lived..PTL!! Their path probably change 160 degrees, but God must have reason. You said they are to be together though in the care facility correct? Praying they get stronger in their marriage and faith, and family through all this disruption of their probably quiet lives?!
❤ thank you for the prayers! Glad things are getting settled at work! I remember the turnover a while back. ☺❤
Another saint! Thank you for your ‘touching base’ and checking in persona.. i learn from you..
Be blessed Kelly, and again, thank you..❤️
Thanks for sharing your story. The reminders of trusting God in the midst of pain and suffering is what I recount each day for those I know struggling with earthly pain.
About 10 years ago my daughter was diagnosed with Lyme disease and we just were having a conversation about the effects of it. We were recounting the faithfulness of God through it. She shared of her fear for the future and not wanting to be bitter about her future job someday being affected by the effects Lyme caused for her. She has been healed from many of the effects of Lyme, but school, specifically math can still be a challenge. I know the Lord is faithful and will lead her. He has a plan and a story in each of our lives, using our weakness’ to let His truth shine to the world.
Susan, just wanted to share with you that there is a book my husband uses for alternative treatments and medicine for all kinds of diseases (including Lyme’s disease) if you are interested. The book is called Forbidden Health by Andreas Ludwig Kalcker
Thank you for this:
“I know the Lord is faithful and will lead her. He has a plan and a story in each of our lives, using our weakness’ to let His truth shine to the world.”
✝️
Praying for your daughter and Ryne (and each one with ongoing challenges) that God’s strength and support will continue to be felt.
❤️..joining you, dear Foster Mama in prayers for Susans daughter.. May she always know the nearness of God on this journey..❤️
We can add your daughter to the list of Chronic Pain sufferers to pray for.
I have just lost what I was writing. I am off to a funeral so will be. back later to rewrite, if I can.
For now Good morning my dears wrapped in much love for a praise worthy Friday..
Every praise is indeed, to our God..
Love you,
Tina.❤️
gosh, I hate when that happens :(
May you be a blessing today to someone at the funeral. ❤️
❤❤❤
Yaaaaay, I found the Debby Boone song that made me think of Psalm 40; it has been 30+ years since I heard it (it now sound to me like it could be a solo in a theatre show — worth a listen)…
⚡
The lyrics that always stuck with me were “When I’m cold as ice
And bring to You things burnt with fire
You say, “keep your spirit clear
That’s all that I require””
⭐
“O Holy One”
✨
Sacrifice, offering
You do not desire
But You’ve given me an open ear
When I’m cold as ice
And bring to You things burnt with fire
You say, “keep your spirit clear
That’s all that I require”
✨
O Holy One
I delight to do Your will
On Your name I now look
And with awe I now start
And lo, I come
Please write with sacred quill
My name is Your book
And Your law in my heart
✨
Faithfulness, mercy
And love You multiply
And there’s no one
Who compares with You
✨
As for me, I was poor and needy
But I know You heard my cry
When You drew me from the pit
So I could sit with You on high
✨
O Holy One
I delight to do Your will
When you came I forsook
All my need to be smart
And lo, I come
Give me wisdom and fill
My name is Your book
And Your law in my heart
✨
You put a new song in my mouth
A song of praise to our God
Many will see and many will fear
And men with ears to hear
Will know they must
Put their trust in the Lord
✨
Well, sons of serpents, hypocrites
Pharisees and scribes
I’m afraid I’ve behaved like all of you
But a serpent raised upon a pole
Healed the twelve tribes
And a Son raised upon a cross
Is the healing of our lives
✨
O Holy One
I delight to do Your will
Our shame Jesus took
Now we’re near not far apart
And lo, I come
Knowing no peace until
My name’s in Your book
And Your law’s in my heart
✨
And lo, I come
Holding fast and holding still
My name in Your book
And Your LOVE in my heart
⭐
I hope you enjoy ❤️
Thank you ❤️
Beautiful
I don’t think I’ve heard that one! Thanks for sharing! ❤
Thank you for sharing! ❤️
I don’t recall having heard that one either.
beautiful words. I have never heard this before but an looking it up!!
hugs dear sister..❤️❤️