Rejoice – He is near.
I woke up early this morning and walked in quietness.
Looking for Him. Seeking Him and walking slow with a heavy heart.
I had no words. No words for Him just like I had no words for my friend who just lost her baby at 39 weeks. She had named him Kai months ago from the Greek word – CHAIRO found in Philippians 4:4 which means “Rejoice”.
She found his name in the Bible long before she knew he would be born into the arms of Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice (Chairo) in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I am reflecting on the pain in this world {on this side}.
I ponder, “Where are you God?”
…and right as I round the corner, this song speaks through the earphones and flows tenderly into my heart and deep into my soul.
I stood still and wept and believed each word. Chairo. Rejoice – He is near.
“Times” by Tenth Avenue North
I hear You say…
“My love is over
It’s underneath
It’s inside
It’s in between
The times that you doubt me,
When you can’t feel
The times that you question
‘Is this for real?’
The times you’re broken
The times that you mend
The times you hate me,
and the times that you bend
Well my love is over
It’s underneath
It’s inside
It’s in between
These times you’re healing
And when your heart breaks
The times that you feel like you’ve fallen from grace
The times you’re hurting
The times that you heal
The times you go hungry and are tempted to steal
In times of confusion
In chaos and pain
I’m there in your sorrow
under the weight of your shame
I’m there through your heart-ache
I’m there in the storm
My love I will keep you by My power alone
I don’t care where you’ve fallen or where you have been
I’ll never forsake you
My love never ends
It never ends.”
Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Pausing in quiet. I sense such a place as to realize that in our sorrow, He never left us, may be holding us, but always loving us far more than we can imagine. This is beautiful and so grateful that you are my neighbor at Still Saturday. I needed this today.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you Linda for pausing here and I’m so thankful this blessed you. I have had this song on repeat lately. I’m glad we are neighbors at Still Saturday too!
So beautiful, Michelle. I feel both sadness and hopelessness, yet also your clinging to hope. I’m so sorry for your friend losing little Kai. May God give you and his family strength and peace.
Thank you so much Trudy. Thankful for HOPE, and thankful for you! Your encouragement is such a blessing!