Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
BURDENS INTO BLESSINGS
Unable to sleep one night, my thoughts centered on my soul’s weariness from the heavy concerns of these days. “I am SO weary of feeling this grief, worry, despair, and heartache for all who are deeply hurting,” my spirit quietly noted. These thoughts then came to me…
These feelings are gifts. The situations and circumstances are not, but your feelings are. It is better to filled with compassion, and not callous indifference. To be filled with sorrow, and not denial. With worry, and not complacency. With righteous anger, and not resignation. This tenderheartedness is keeping your heart vulnerable for a greater capacity to love.
I eventually fell asleep, feeling grateful for this reminder. With God’s help, the burdens we carry can become our sources of motivation, courage, perseverance, and insight. And as our weariness draws us to seek God’s comfort and peace, we are sustained and encouraged–and then supplied and readied for service.
May this then, be my prayer:
God,
Let me cry a million tears
yet never look away
until I see what I might do
to help someone today,
then turn my focus onto you
and have you lead the way.
Let me feel such deep heartache
and choose to keep it there
until I’ve done all I can do
to show someone I care
by reaching out with peace and hope,
your gracious love to share.
Let me lie awake at night
in depths of angst and fear
until I open up my heart
to trust that you are near;
until I sense your hand in mine,
your whisper in my ear.
Let me find the impetus
within this dark despair,
to stand and speak and write about
what’s true and just and fair,
and as your faithful servant, spread
your goodness everywhere.
Let me hold these burdens, God,
until my heart is sure
to follow where you lead me
and with your help, endure;
for in my deep uncertainty
in you I’m held secure.
(In recent months, I have had quite an increase in “views” of my previous posts. To my readers in North Bergen, Netanya, Santa Clara, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Washington, DC, thank you so much! I would love to know what brought you here! I hope you have been encouraged and comforted.)
Photo by Karen, Hillside in Hurricane
Simply Soul Searching 
Karen your response to all that is happening and the pain you are feeling will lead to knowing what to do next. Keep praying and the kind Holy Spirit will provide. So appreciated your poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend. I will keep praying! I so appreciate your spiritual insights, here and in your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“These feelings are gifts.” I enjoyed this perspective; thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jessica. This means so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have also lost sleep over praying. Thank you for your message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your friendship here, Morag.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. It’s great to have wordpress to connect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A compassionate heart has a ‘well’ of deep feelings. This well may at times be a source of sorrow or a source of joy. (God cares about how we are feeling at all times.) Your post clearly highlights a very important truth: the deeper the well of compassion, the deeper the ability to love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May our wells run deep! Thank you, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗 back at you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to confess that sometimes indifference feels safe (almost a relief) but I don’t want a callous heart. I pray the Lord will keep my heart tender and, yes, use my feelings (even the most difficult ones) to keep me running to Him. I hope you are doing well, friend. I know I read this post a few days ago and thought I had commented. Sorry. Have a “sweet” weekend!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I resonate with that, too, Jennifer! Thank you for writing that–I always feel less alone when feelings are mutual. I hope you are well also!
LikeLike