Waves of Hope

If you have suffered a bone-crushing, mind-numbing loss, there is hope for joy and peace again. Sooner than you think. If you are laboring under the weight of that loss compounded by the idea that you did something to cause it, you may feel as if there is no remedy for the futility, emptiness and pain that cripples you. While I did nothing to cause my miscarriage (I don't drink or smoke and was on no prescription medications and, unfortunately, there was no strenuous exercise involved), there have been other losses in my life, including broken and strained relationships, that I feel partly or wholly responsible for. Today as I watched the little panhandle waves break as the sun began to beat down, making the water sparkle and the sand bleach out into the "sugar white" it is advertised for, I prayed for peace about a few of those things. A couple of things came to mind. First and foremost is the fact that I don't need anyone but God. Not really. His is the only approval I must obtain, and that was done the moment I accepted Christ. His is the only help that is reliable. ("The Lord of Heaven's armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." Psa. 41:11 NLT) Second of all, His love is enough to supply all of the fulfillment, joy and strength I need to live a meaningful, fruitful life as I follow HIS plan for me (not MY plan, and, thankfully, not my my enemies' plan for my life or Satan's plan, which involves torment, fear and futility). "All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love." 1 John 4:15-16. Finally, this passage of scripture which was referenced in the "Jesus Calling" devotional book I am reading underscores my heart's desire to learn to take life one day at a time, hand- in- hand with the Lord: "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23 (NLT). THE LORD HOLDING ME BY THE HAND?!?  Are ya kiddin' me? What have I got to be worried about?