Journeying to Grace

I put off tending to a household problem because I was afraid it would result in a major repair which would be inconvenient and costly. I ignored the issue for too long, and because I avoided the problem, it worsened so that several other functions were affected. It was time to act before it became even worse. When I finally faced the situation, did a little research, and received some welcome advice, I was able to correct the problem myself. Thankfully no major, complex repair was needed. The main component just needed a reset. I had to learn how to do that task, but it was worth it, and I’m very glad I took the time to seek help and find out what was really going on. My earlier concerns were unnecessary, but I was only able to find the solution when I made the decision and effort to address the issue. Though it was simple, the answer got lost as the problem grew.

At times, we may find our heart and spirit with similar symptoms. There is a feeling, hurt, or circumstance we should address, but we avoid it because of where it might lead us. How often do we just ignore or try to put aside the suffering, sadness, or emptiness in our heart? How often do we just wait, hoping those feelings will go away or improve? When that heaviness weighing in our heart becomes overwhelming, it might be time for a prayerful and spiritual reset; time to intentionally stop and seek the answer by asking the Lord’s help in finding out what is really going on; and time to heal in hope so we can again be renewed in the joy of the Lord. ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (Is 40:31)

The Lord wants us to recognize our own limits, seek His healing comfort, and be refreshed by His grace so we have a replenished heart and carry thoughts of His goodness. ‘…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’ (Phil 4:8)

Years ago I attended a retreat, and after a specific spiritual exercise, we were given a prompt to create our own prayer as a reflection for what we were experiencing. I still have that prayer on what is now a ragged piece of paper: ‘Renew me, restore me, rescue me. You will let me hear gladness and joy.’ These words are very often my prayer when I need to ‘reset’ my spirit. When I’m overwhelmed but know that the Lord is ready, waiting for me to stop and reach for Him to replenish my heavy heart with His merciful love. Especially when we are most burdened and overwhelmed, may we stop and prayerfully reset so we are renewed by the Lord’s healing and replenishing grace.