The Ultimate Balm for Your Weary HeartSample

Small Groups and Scribbles

Life is a whirlwind—it dizzies you. 

But I am here, the eye of the winds, holding you fast. I am here in this boisterous kitchen as the hurricane circles in chaos—children and pots flying, torn recipe books, peelings and paychecks, and shouts and laughs and howls and tears and try-try-trying. I am here, in the circle of women with whom you meet. I am here, in the conversations, in the upending of all the good things you thought you were. I catch you, each time you think you fall. You are held; I’ll never let go. 

Now cease trying. Bend your head, daughter. Let me heal you. 

You shall be very low until I raise you up. 

Healing is not fixing what is broken. 

Healing is being transformed. 

Healing is being restored to newness. 

Healing is surrender. 

Healing is me. 

Listen for me. Trust -- my wisdom will come, and all the fruits of it. Look for me. Trust -- I am here. Believe my love. Trust -- I am good. 

Look, I restore all things.

Exercise & Prayer

Close your eyes. Consider how you feel when there are things you can’t fix, can’t control, can’t change. How do you need God’s healing? Ask God to reveal to you how He is inviting you to trust Him. And then ask Him with whom—with what friend in your life—you can share this. Wait for Him. Listen. Ask Him for the courage to surrender all areas of your life to Him, completely. And then share this act of surrender with a friend. Or do it with her. We are not made to walk this life alone. 

Father, I confess I want an easy answer, I want my answer. I confess I struggle sometimes to trust you. I confess I think the best way to live is to be the boss of my life, to have everything under my control. I struggle with surrendering my whole heart, my whole life, letting myself believe you care for me, you love me—that you care for all of us. Holy Spirit, come. Free me of this pride. I give it to you. Jesus, cleanse me. I surrender my heart. Father, I trust you are here, and you love me and will make me new. In your name, Amen.