Last week I learned that a dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ugh, I hate that word.  The tears have streamed down my face and my heart is just aching.  Immediately I start wondering what I should do?  What should I say?…and even after going through the ringer myself I still find there are no magic “right words”.  I have a list of words that are on my DON’T say list, but most of the time I find any words I do say to be completely inadequate.  As one who loves words, I find that very frustrating.  I have the same problem sometimes when I pray about the deep burdens on my heart…there is so much in my heart but I have no matching words to utter.  But I love that my Jesus can read my heart like a book.  Every groaning and pain and hurt He sees so clearly and knows so intimately.  And the Holy Spirit?  He knows EXACTLY what I’m talking about because Scripture says He prays with “groanings that cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26) on my behalf.  So, I often find most of my prayers are without actual words and sometimes all I can do is give a tight hug or squeeze a hand and hope that the feeling in my heart somehow shines through…because there truly are no words.

There are also some big changes about to take place in both sides of our family, my birthday is coming up shortly (which brings up a myriad of emotions), I’m still my kids only parent which brings up daily challenges, and add on just every day struggles and grieving and there is a lot on my heart and mind.  My emotions have been all over the place the past couple weeks especially.  But…again, I love that word!  My Lord knew all of this and just when I needed it, gave me Psalm 84.  The whole Psalm is so rich, but a couple of verses in particular have stuck with me like glue.

Psalm 84:5-7

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,

Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.  (This is speaking of the Jews traveling to the temple in Jerusalem.  But as I read it and apply it to my own life, I make the parallel of my own life’s journey to Heaven, my final place of worship.)

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,  (meaning valley of weeping or tears)

They make it a spring;  (I love any analogy that has to do with water.  It just breathes refreshment.)

The rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength; (The Lord will provide His grace exactly when needed {2 Cor. 12:9-10}.  And when I need more, He will provide again.)

Each one appears before God in Zion.”  (I will not be forgotten or left behind.  The Lord will complete His work in me and fulfill His promise by taking me Home!)

(All words in parenthesis are mine and not the inspired Word of God)

There is SO much more in this chapter but these are the verses that my mind has been meditating on and that I have been praying for myself and all those around me.  God’s Word is truly the only stable part of my life and I am always amazed and truly blessed by how it speaks directly into my soul.  I know that I am not the only one who has much weighing on their heart and mind so I hope that these Word’s from God encourage you as much as they have encouraged me.