I close my eyes, allowing its power to wash over me. Loose particles of sand dance up from the shoreline, pelting my feet where I’ve rolled the cuffs of my jeans to ankle height and the waves, placid earlier this morning, protest loudly.
God’s presence is palpable to me; His magnificence tangible–and the taste of my tears mingles with the briny sea. Releasing a sigh, I take in the vastness of the ocean and wonder if I’ll ever move beyond the profound loneliness. The sense of brokenness. The loss.
Planting myself on an abandoned stretch of sand, I gaze across the miles of steel grey. Even the ocean reflects my emotions today.
Lord, I feel so lost. Please help me.
As if in response, the wind batters against my frame and I breathe in the scents of the ocean. Absorb the rush of waves and the call of the terns. I watch as tiny sandpipers scurry on spindly legs dip their beaks beneath the crust of packed sand near the water’s edge in search of dinner.
I know God hears me.
While the answers to my simple prayer involved a slow unfolding of healing, I know many others struggle in the same way. I wonder what lonely place you have found yourself visiting today. Have you, too, been bruised and worn down? Have you been abandoned by someone you love? Are you asking God to meet you in your loss?
Hope for When You’re in the Valley Click To Tweet
Even in the loneliest of places, He resurrects hope.
Ezekiel, one of God’s prophets, knew about isolation and grief. Heartache and pain. He’d suffered the death of wife, “the desire of [his] eyes” (Ezekiel 25: 15 NKJV) and been taken captive by the Babylonians. Not only was he grieving the loss of his beloved, but Ezekiel was enslaved in a foreign country.
No family. No freedom. No future.
But God…
The Wind of Heaven
Opening Ezekiel’s eyes to an amazing vision, the Lord provided His servant the hope for which he longed. He showed Ezekiel a valley filled with brittle bones and said,
“Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”
Ezekiel complied and the bones, once disconnected, were joined together and cloaked by flesh. Then God used some interesting words in His next command to Ezekiel,
“Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” (Ezekiel 37:9)
Hope for When You’re in the Valley Click To Tweet
The word used for breath in these verses is haruah, which means wind of heaven or spirit. The Spirit of God is the enabler of all life. He was able to reconstruct a valley of bones into an army of men and resurrect the martyred Messiah as victorious King.
When we feel as though, “our hope is lost” (Ezekiel 37:11), we can call on the Spirit who resurrects hope and life-even in the valley of dry bones.
Hope for When You’re in the Valley Click To Tweet
Haruah God,
You are the One who breathes life into my spirit. I know you see my heart; you know my thoughts.
My tears pour out before you until I feel as though I’ve wept the last of them.
Hope is wrenched from my heart and I feel adrift in my loneliness.
I don’t know where to turn or which steps to take, but I trust you.
When you created man, you brought life from nothingness.
When you raised Christ from the dead, you broke the power of sin in my life.
Today, will you quicken hope inside of me?
I believe, Lord, “help me in my unbelief”. (Mark 9:24)
Amen
Peace and grace,
Tammy
I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers.
Mondays InstaEncouragements/ Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/
Thursdays Heart Encouragement / Tune In Thursday /Salt and Light / Five Minute Friday
Friday Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup
Wonderful post, as always, Ms. Tammy. Our hope, our only true hope, is in God. What a great reminder ma’am. He’s always near when we need Him. Oh, how often we tend to forget that. We call out to Him in our moment of great despair; only to hear Him whisper softly “I’ve been here through it all child.”
I do tend to forget; my prayer journals are such a good reminder of His faithfulness. Thank you, Lord!
Blessings,
Tammy
Such comforting words – yes, it has been a struggle this last year. Missing my kids and grandkids. Wondering when the chaos will end. But in the midst of my grief, I see His glimmers of growth. Fruit beginning to ripen on the tree. Not growth that I would have imagined, especially in light of the isolation. But sweet fruit to cling to just the same.
I feel for you. I just flew my mother out as she’s been alone in her home for over a year. I hope you have the opportunity to see your precious ones’ soon!
The dry bones of our lives can live again when His breath is upon them. Thanks for this wonderful post that brings hope to any desperate situation.
He is able–even in the worst situation.
Thanks for visiting!
Blessings,
Tammy
He is able–even in the worst situation!
Blessings to you,
Tammy