Be Still And Know

Isaiah 61:3 NLT  'To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.' Holding on to our faith when we face difficulties is hard. It is a wonder that we still encounter the beauty and presence of God even as our heart breaks. Anyone who has faced the challenge of chronic or terminal illness or the death of a loved one, will know just how physical the effects of such an experience are. Each moment carries a reality unknown previously and the act of living becomes exhausting.  I naturally want to find someone to blame, to pour out the internal angst and pain. Yet, my experience is shared by thousands. I’m invited to step beyond my despair and search for the oil of mercy that will eventually bring healing to my wounds. This is only available from God, often the person I want to hold responsible for my extreme pain. God can ha