“Oh I need your love”
That’s the title of a beautiful worship song we sang in church this past Sunday.
As I lifted my voice, I also lifted my eyes to the ceiling above. My heart filled up as the words rose through me.
Oh, how I really do need your love, God.
Do you feel it some times more than others?
“In this shadowed place”
…when hope feels like a distant memory.
…when you’re waiting for the test results.
…when your teenager no longer finds joy in sitting around the table.
…when you want to pray but the words just won’t come.
…those days when you’re tempted to scream, “Is a little sunshine too much to ask, Lord?”
“I can’t get enough of your sunlight on my face”
As I sing, I wish I could just bask in His glory like this all week!
But Monday comes.
And with it reality comes crashing back in.
The pain is still there. Rather than lifting it feels heavier than ever.
And so, I have to keep looking for the light.
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The light never left. I know that to be true. But these shadows…oh boy, these shadows just keep creeping in.
The songwriter, J. Brian Craig brings me back to the Word, reminding me of the tree planted by a stream.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8
There is hope after all.
Have you been in that shadowed place, too?
I pray these cloudy days will remind you of how much you need God’s love. And how much He loves you!
Perhaps you’ll also find some encouragement in the hope I shared over at Pleasing to the Potter. This is perfect for those days when the sun seems to be hiding.
If you’ve ever felt your prayers stuck in your throat, then this is a must read.
Yes, shadows have a way of stealing our words, the sunlight, and so much more.
But this is helping me and I pray it helps you too.
Find some hope here, my friend!
What about you?
How do you find hope on those shadowy days?
Do you have a favourite scripture you can share with someone who needs a little sunshine today?
Wishing you blessings,
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Join my sisters and me for the Sparkle Circle, right here every last Tuesday of the month.
Because doing life together makes it so much sweeter!
This was beautiful and so uplifting. It was just what I needed today. I am so glad you stopped by my blog so I could meet you and find your blog. I am going to play that song today.
I’m so glad we can offer words of encouragement at just the right time. Knowing that you were lifted up has made my day, Maree!
Hey friend,
I’ve missed you … sorry I’ve let the busyness of life take over way too much. I’m praying that as you continue to hold onto Jesus, He floods you with hope each day. Love you and praying for you ♥
Thanks so much, Lori. I know you care deeply, my friend. And I’m so very grateful for your prayers! <3
This is beautiful, Marva! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! ❤
Thank you, Elizabeth. It’s always heartwarming to remember that my words can uplift and encourage others, even when I struggle to find the light. God is good!
Oh, I’ve definitely lived in those shadowed places. When my eyes are on the clouds, I can’t see hope or sunshine or any good thing. You’re so right. We can only find hope, only feel the warmth of God’s presence when we are focused on Him, and intentionally spending time in His word.
Great encouragement here!
I’m your neighbor at Testimony Tuesday today. It’s so nice to “meet” you. 🙂
Oh, Marv. I feel your pain. It’s always there like an undercurrent, and sometimes it just floods over you. I know. I feel it, too. ‘The pain is still there. – The Light never left.’ Your words here remind me of one of my favorite promises of God – that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:31-39) It is that promise that gives me hope and sustains me through the shadowed places. Praying we’ll lean ever closer into His loving arms. Love you, my sister!
Yep! I’m so grateful for His promises. Without them I don’t know where I would be. Drowning in the flood probably. Lol. 🙂
Thanks, Carlie. It helps to know that we’re going through this together with Christ at our side.
“When shadows steal our words, His word restores our joy.” – now that is one for my journal! What a great reminder for me today. And beautifully written. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, Karen. It’s so very nice of you to stop by and I’m so glad that you found a little bit of hope here today. <3
Blessings to you!
What beautiful encouragement today, Marva. I love that Jeremiah scripture. Thanks for sharing so honestly. We all have days when the sunshine seems gone. Amen to His word restoring our joy. I’ve seen that over and over. Blessings to you! xoxoxoxo
Betsy, you’re so right, God’s faithfulness in the past gives me hope for the future. Thank you for visiting and sharing such a good word today.
By the way, I love that we both focused on hope in our posts. And I’m with you — I need MORE and MORE Jesus every single day!