Sorrow’s Shadow on Life’s Path

Psalm 18:4-6, 16-19
“4 The ropes of death surrounded me; the floods of destruction swept over me. 5 The grave  wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face. 6 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.”
“16 He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 18 They attacked me at a moment when I was weakest, but the LORD upheld me. 19 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.”

There have been many different roads through my life that have caused great pain and sorrow. It’s so hard to pick just one. Each one has taught me a life lesson and has made me who I am today.

Growing up with an emotionally, physically, and verbally abusive father has made me more sensitive to the plight of children and other’s emotional pain.

Having a miscarriage at age 23 and a hysterectomy before my 26th birthday has made me aware of the emotional and physical pain of women.

Going through the turmoil of a troubled teenage daughter taught me patience (too late I must admit), dependence upon God and prayer, and humility that even in so called best of Christian homes children can rebel; but later become blessed with the promise of God  found in Proverbs 22:6. Because of going through this pain I am able to give hope to others, encouraging them to hold onto this promise because their child will return once again to the Lord as my daughter did.

Having to go through the loss of loved ones dear to my heart, especially a parent, step father and parents-in-law,  has helped me to minister to others as they go through similar pain as well.

But the pain I continue to go through regarding my health started 23 years ago. Seeing one’s body and mind deteriorate can be most painful and humbling. When one has a chronic illness you go through some mountains and valleys along life’s pathway.  Sometimes you can be in the shadow of the valley of death for a long time. I have felt the pain of rejection and isolation from friends due to being homebound.  I have felt the pain and loneliness of depression.  I have felt the pain of humiliation due to having to give up my pride so family can care for my most personal needs due to chronic illness. I have cried in my husband’s arms many times because I just wanted to give up and go home to be with the Lord because the pain of my illness was too great.

These trials are just some of the paths I have had to travel.  Through each trial, temptation, sorrow and pain, God heard the prayers and rescued me from the pits of despair.  The Christian life does not promise a life without pain or sorrow, but it does promise that there will always be Someone who will be with you through it all – Our precious Lord and Savior.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

Sorrow’s shadow has been cast upon many of the paths I’ve been on in my life.  But it is just that, a shadow.  And He has been there with me each step along the way, sometimes carrying me to provide comfort.

Yes, there have been losses along the way, but they’ve been for my good. Each road I’ve travelled I’ve left more of me behind and gained more of Christ!

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21 (NKJV)

Beelieve You Can – Michele’s Morsels

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