Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Psalm 55:12-18

 March 9

“It is not an enemy who taunts me -then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me -then I could hide from him. But it is you, my equal, my companion, and my familiar friend. We used to hold sweet converse together; within God's house we walked in fellowship. But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me...for the Lord will hear my voice. For God will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage."-Psalm 55:12-18 (RSV)

There is probably no worse emotional pain than dealing with the aftermath of a shattered relationship whether it is loss of a friend, divorce, or separation. Yet most of us will someday experience this painful occurrence in our life journey. Few of us are adequately prepared for it. However, the writer of Psalm 55 cries out from the depths of this difficult experience with eloquence and understanding while showing a path of hope beyond this tragic situation. As we move beyond the denial that inevitably accompanies the shock of a broken relationship and broken heart, the psalmist promises God will show us the way out of this dark valley we sometimes find ourselves in. God will deliver our soul from the battle we are waging through helping us accept our situation and then enabling us to embrace our pain and loss so comfort may be offered to us by God and others.

Yet we also need to realize the shadows around us emotionally at these times are there to shield us from the full glare of a reality that is often too painful to fully face. We need to be patient with ourselves and others in our healing journey. Always remember that healing and recovery are a process not achieved in a few days or weeks. There can be bad days amidst good days and times when moments of pain seem to surface from an emotional wound we thought was healed. However, as we walk in trust with the God of ALL healing through our own recovery, we will eventually be able to bring healing gifts to others who are also hurting from broken relationships.

Prayer: God, thank you that you are my healer. Amen. 

Meditation For The Day: God heals all things in his time.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)