This Too Shall Pass
I sit here staring at a blank piece of paper… heavy hearted, unsure of what to write. These past three weeks have been difficult beyond words.
More friends than I want to count have lost loved ones in this time. How do you mourn with those who mourn? An amazing book I read in the last week was excellent in this regard. Highly recommendable: Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Her honesty is refreshing and encouraging. If you have lost someone, it could be a help to you.
Depression is not something I struggle with much but it tore through my soul and held me fast for over a week, leaving me edgy and exhausted. The experience allowed me to better identify with friends of mine who struggle on a regular basis from depression, some more so than others.
Not feeling well, not sleeping well, not getting enough work done, and feeling very very lonely have all contributed to the difficulties since returning from my trip to Ontario and Winnipeg last month. But I am not alone in any of these things. Thus, I would like to share a poem with you I wrote many years ago, but fits well for today. If you are struggling remember, this too shall pass…
This Too Shall Pass
Here we are, Lord
just You and me
alone, in this room.
Your arms are outstretched,
and to them I go…
tears streaming,
I stand there clinging
wanting You to hold me tight.
I am hurting, Lord,
with pain that is deep,
But who cares?
Who cares?
You say, “I care.”
And I know that You do,
for I remember that it was
for me
You died.
You hold me,
You love me,
You stay by my side.
“This too shall pass,” are Your comforting words,
“Yes, this too shall pass!”
Understand?
Me?
I don’t!
Oh the frustration’s there
But stray I won’t.
You alone are my source of joy,
of peace,
of unfailing love.
Yes, I will trust You
for this too shall pass!
So, in the midst of your struggles and sorrow, I wish you JOY! This too shall pass.
Blessings,
mari
Mari – thank you for this. What an encouragement and comfort! Yes, it is so important to keep our eyes up and on Jesus. How interesting that my mom always said those words, “This too shall pass.”
Comment by Mary — February 16, 2011 @ 8:49 pm
My Mother-in-law said those words a lot too!! It seems there has been a few deaths down this way as well – family of friends in our church.
What an opportunity to share the Lord and be there for those hurting!!
Comment by Connie Mathis — February 16, 2011 @ 9:01 pm
Hi Mari:
I just spent several days at Providence Hospital in Everett to have emergency gall bladder surgery. Knowing the Lord was with me was so comforting. And I’m healing…
I met with a friend of yours yesterday…Connilyn Buchanon. She’s working on getting a club going at Mill Creek Elementary in Everett and has recently found out that her husband’s being transferred to Calif. for his work. Please pray this club becomes a reality in March as she works to gather other teachers together. Ask the Lord to go before them to give them favor with the children and all staff.
Know that I think of you often and pray for you!
Love,
Jan
Comment by Jan Akam — February 16, 2011 @ 11:17 pm
Mari, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. It’s at times like this that we need to cling closely to the Lord and give him all our fears, doubts and worries. May you know the peace of God that passes all understanding. Love Eleanor.
Comment by Eleanor Ricossa — February 17, 2011 @ 1:47 am
Hi, Mari-
You always express yourself so well in words! Hang in there by friend and God bless you!
Comment by Renata — February 17, 2011 @ 6:24 am
Mari, wow. Thank you for your words!
Comment by Annie — February 17, 2011 @ 10:01 am
I LOVE your poem, Mari!!! BEAUTIFUL! Just BEAUTIFUL! The kind of poem I like! Warm! Intimate! Only someone who has experienced inner struggles and pain can write such a poem.
While having breakfast this morning, I was thinking about our Lord being a Master Musician. He knows exactly how much tension is needed for our heart-strings to produce the sweetest melody so that others will be comforted in their times of inner pain. And ultimately, the Master Musician is honored and glorified.
Comment by Lorenz Oscar — February 17, 2011 @ 1:24 pm
What a sweet poem, Mari. I have loved writting poems in the past, but it has been a long time. I have some grandchildren who are amazing at poems and they are such a wonderful way to express feelings, and ways through which Jesus can touch us and others.
I am so sorry that you are having this difficult time, tho. I have had a problem with depression since in my 20s, and have found a medication that allows me to be pretty normal. I am so thankful for this.
A saying that has meant a lot to me thro many difficult times, is this: Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes he lets the storm rage and He calms His child!
I pray this will be meaningful to you.
About the loss of loved ones, God is near to us and they are with God, so the dear ones are very near to us.
There are times when death is a gift. As a nurse, I have seen many of those times, when healing was not possible. God said “no”, We can only ask HIm why when we see Him. And We shall behold Him, our Saviour and Lord, as the song says!
And sometimes, we do see the answers down the path a way.
God bless you as you give these situations to Jesus and let Him put His strong arms around you and comfort you and heal your pain and loss. Love and Prayers, Mona
Comment by Mona Adell — February 18, 2011 @ 11:15 am