Here-Hope, Joy and Peace

This morning I received a card and letter from my cousin's family,

(Wayne and Sherri) who have been going through a deep and ongoing 

valley of trial for many years. (Wayne has MS, diagnosed after an accident

leading to the loss of his leg in 2012)

He is a dad of four children.

 He is now 49 years old.

The letter is a profound picture of refined faith and constant surrender

as they adapt to life with their dearly beloved

husband and dad in a long-term care facility,

and the heart-wrenching hurdles of love!!

Sherri closes the letter with words that bravely allow us

 a glimpse into a world of broken dreams

held fast by resolution for continued trust...

Below's excerpt shared with permission from Sherri💝🙏

As I pondered the words we use so freely, especially at Christmas;

words like hope, joy and peace I was impacted by how, without the weathered landscape of 

hardship those words would hold no special meaning.

How life's disappointments, sorrows and storms make sacred and dear

these precious words possible by the grace of God; Hope, joy and peace!

Wayne and Sherri's family has taken up permanent residence in my prayers for 

strength for their days and a sense of Immanuel in their lives!

...as this poem was penned  I couldn't help but cry as she shared 

a peek into their world with these words...

'I tell you these things not to gain attention or pity for myself,

but to give you a glimpse into our everyday life'.

She also shared utter gratefulness for God's faithful provision

through His followers and so many people who help!!

How hopeless our 'everyday life' would often be

without the comfort and counsel of God's word

and the company and friendships of his family here on earth!

***

Here oft joy bears bitter splendor ‘neath the weight of sorrow’s cross

Here oft hope groans with surrender on the testing grounds of loss

Here oft perfect peace is baffled by the brokenness we see

In the valley of the shadow of death’s sacred certainty

Here the devil would defeat us as we press toward The Prize

But for God’s Word; here He meets us to attend to longing’s cries

Here He reaches through the darkness with an Everlasting Light

Softens the heart’s would-be hardness with fresh courage for the fight

Here the fainting soul is strengthened as we feast on Living Bread

Here His outstretched arm is lengthened as His precious child is fed

Here His awesome power surges, chides man’s motives, prone to pride

Promise after promise purges pleas where need and want confide

Here He shows us how to follow when the way we cannot see

How to nestle in the hollow of hands scarred at Calvary

Here He lifts us from the mire of fear, dread, doubt and despair

Here He purifies desires that would hinder our prayer

Here the hope of nations rallies soldiers of the cross of Christ 

Here He guides us through the valleys where idols are sacrificed 

Here, while the world frowns and borrows trouble with unceasing noise

Here His whisper crowns our sorrows with hope's everlasting joys    

Here faith’s flick’ring candle steadies, here spent spirits are renewed

Here life’s gracious Giver readies us with awe-struck gratitude

Where joy, hope and peace must weather what yet waits, Trust humbly hails

God’s goodness; His mercy tethers us to love that never fails

© Janet Martin

...with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; 

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

As we are drawn to the wonder of manger 

may we simultaneously be drawn to the triumph at the cross!

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Near to the Heart of God