Waiting for Peace
Scripture: 1 Kings
19:4-8 and Psalm 34:1-8
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and
delivered me from all my fears…
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
and was saved from every trouble.
Psalm 34:4&6
She resides at the intersection of Fear and Pain. Each day
people walk by and do not notice her. Recently diagnosed with HIV, she
struggles with how to tell her friends and confront her lover.
He waits alone in the room. A loosely tied hospital gown
drapes over his diminished frame. The television crackles in the background and
he waits.
Barbara continues to search for meaning in her life.
Eighteen years of marriage ended when her partner lost control of the car and
hydroplaned into an ancient oak tree.
Each cries out to God and waits for peace. They wait for
courage and as they wait, they question.
Why did God do this? How could God let this happen? When
will God take the pain away?
While the Psalmist boldly proclaims how “the Lord…delivered
me from all my fears” (v. 4) and “saved [me] from every trouble” (v. 6), I
wonder what he muttered in the moment. Did he cry out like Elijah for death? How
long did he beg our Creator for release from the pain?
As people of faith, we know that the Gentle Shepherd accompanies
us in the valleys of our lives. Yet, we may struggle with feeling the Holy
One’s presence and peace in times of great stress. Our experience of pain and heartache may prevent
us from experiencing the steadfastness of God.
What habits or practices enable you to connect with God in the
midst of distress and uncertainty?
Who waits with you under the broom tree?
Prayer: Eternal Lord, you accompany us in times of pain and sorrow.
Surround us with a community that radiates with your patience and grace. Hold us
in the dark places of our lives and continue to shine your light in the world. Amen.
Jennifer M. Manis
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