Misery. She loves company, you know. Sometimes I’m a sucker when she’s around.
Today I got a phone call about a sweet friend. I’ve mentioned the situation before. She has physical and psychological conditions that baffle doctors. Her life is full of pain and illness: she’s required to take a bitter pill of reality that would be difficult for anyone to swallow. And whenever I get a call – about the latest diagnoses or complication, I have to make a choice.
And there is misery, standing in the corner. She calls my name, coaxing me, tempting me to drown in sorrow for my friend.
Often, if a friend or loved one is going through a rough time, I’ll dive into a deep pool of empathy and try to submerge myself in their pain. Doesn’t everyone need a friend who comes along side in the difficult moments, the trying times, mid the stress to walk the road together? I need that person. I want to be that faithful companion. But, today when I hung up the phone after the devastating call, for the first time, I seemed to be able to respond differently.
Misery disables her companions and offers the prospect of being swallowed whole by her.
It was as if the Holy Spirit himself wanted to keep my heart centered on Him. He reminded me of a very important truth. While my friend is in pain with unimaginable suffering and she is unable to live a “happy” or “normal” life, I can still walk by her side with joy. Joy, not because of her circumstances, but joy because I know the one who is in control of her circumstances.
Jesus offers hope, with the promise of life when we are consumed by Him.
Honestly, at first I struggled to believe His plan was right. But, I find comfort knowing I have a direct line of communication with The One who knows this trial inside and out, from beginning to end. He understands how her life will be redeemed and bring glory to Himself. I don’t have answers, only faith that He is the one whispering in my ear, offering hope instead of misery. peace instead of angst. His will is for me to step away from the shadow of misery’s company, and move into the light of His love. And He can stir up good in my heart, that will help me to be faithful, with His grace on this journey with my friend.
In the middle of the darkest hour, I can be sure of the hope He gives. I can’t think of better verses to help shake off misery and her bad company:
from Hebrews 10:
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised isfaithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heavenly Father, Help me to believe the gospel with a faith that is unswerving. I know You are faithful to your promises. Let me be the friend who comes along side, not with an unsteady empathy, but with your steadfast lovingkindness. Give me the strength and wisdom to abide in the company of your Words, rather than in the shadows. amen and amen.
daily portion 