Trust in the TrialsShembull

Come and Talk to Him

It has been a difficult time for me as recently I lost my mom. Even though I knew it was coming, I was totally unprepared for what it would be like to live in a world where I no longer have a mother. 

I wonder how many of you can relate to this unbearable grief.

My defense mechanism has been to keep myself busy; for it is in the quiet moments that I allow myself to float down the long and winding river of grief, and I fear I will drown in it, so I avoid it.

I threw myself into my work, binging on Netflix movies, and reading books. I have tried everything and yet somewhere, too close for comfort, I can hear that river of sadness rambling and rolling over protruding rocks; its waters begging me to come to them.

One night, as my body longed for sleep, but my mind had other ideas, I heard the voice of the Lord questioning me, "Why won't you come and talk to me?"

It sounded so simple, but I will be honest, it was hard. It's hard to pause, hard to admit that I can't get through this alone, hard to release control of my emotions.

And it was hard to talk to God when I didn't know what to say. I was so overwhelmed, so tired, so sad. What was there to say?

Psalm 27:8 tells us, "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me,' and my heart responds, 'Lord I am coming."' And so I began to whisper painful words, asking difficult questions, and begging for healing and peace in my despair. 

I don't know why my go-to response in difficult situations is to run away from God when I know I should be running to him. However, I am grateful that when I find myself on the wrong path, he gently guides me Home.

If you are struggling with something painful today, just talk to God. You are never alone. So many things can get in the way. Or, maybe you are like me and God is the last thing on your list when he should be your first priority. I get it. But remember this:

God loves you.

He is a great listener.

He longs to comfort you.

Go talk to him.

It is what your heart needs.

I pray this encourages you today.