Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hurting and Hearing

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; (Exodus 3:7)


Photo of Train Wreck
Photo of Train Wreck


When we are experiencing deep sorrow or difficult circumstances, we may feel offended if someone suggests that something good can emerge from our adversity.
Cars are Piled up Among Debris from Hurricane Katrina
Cars are Piled up Among Debris from Hurricane Katrina

A well-meaning person who tries to encourage us to trust God's promises may be perceived as insensitive or even unrealistic.

That happened to the children of Israel when God was working for their deliverance from Egypt.
As Pharaoh hardened his heart toward the Lord's command to let His people go, he increased the Hebrew slaves' workload by forcing them to gather the straw they needed to make bricks.

And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and thy spoke to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it; yet not any of your work shall be diminished. (Exodus 5: 10-11)

They became so discouraged, they couldn't accept Moses' assurance that God had heard their cries and promised to take them to a land of their own.



During the Exodus Moses Strikes a Rock and Obtains a Supply of Water for the Israelites by Robert Leinweber
During the Exodus Moses Strikes a Rock

and Obtains a Supply of Water for the Israelites


There are times when our hurts and fears can close our ears to the hopeful words of God. But the Lord doesn't stop speaking to us when it's hard for us to hear.

He continues working on our behalf just as He did in delivering His people from Egypt.

As we experience God's compassion and His loving care, we can begin to hear again even as the hurt continues to heal. --(David McCasland)

O yes, He cares--I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. -- (Graeff)

Even when we don't sense God's presence,
His loving care is all around us.


Mimi

11 comments:

Jodi said...

Mom ~ What a beautiful and encouraging post! I love this ...

O yes, He cares--I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. -- (Graeff)

Mary said...

Mimi,

This is an awesome and inspirational post. Thank you for reminding us that when there is only one set of footprints in the sand, they are the Lord's and he is carrying us.

Blessings for a wonderful day.
Mary

Melissa said...

sometimes it isn't about what we see or feel, it is about presence...

Sharon said...

This was a beautiful and inspiring post Mimi. :) Thank you for the reminder.

Kathi said...

I love this. It is a good post Mimi. Thank you. He does care so much. There so many hurts out there~~big ones and little ones, and middle size one. God knows each detail. I'm hurting for Reba Rambo right now at the loss of her mother on Mother's Day. I'm thankful to know that this world is not our home, and our true home is with the Lord. Hugs, Kathi

Tracy said...

I love this post. It is so full of hope and encouragement. Thank you for reminding us that God does care, and he will not forsake us, even when his presence can not be felt thought the heartache and pain.

Blessings

Mike Golch said...

you cried,and I cried with you,you laughed,I laughed with you.You morned and I morned with you my child.-God.

Cathy said...

A beautiful, encouraging post, Mimi~

Maxine said...

Thanks for encouraging all of us, Mimi. It's so needed--we all need it from time to time. If He didn't care, where would we be?

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Mimi, I needed to hear this. Thank you for all the love you show me.
You are loved and thought of often.
xoxo Nita

Brit. (lille meg) said...

Thank you for sharing this!
I shall tell you that even in Norway this song is known.
I heard it some time ago.
A children choir sang it. In english.
It was a beautiful text.
And it is true!