A Place Where Peace and Sorrow Meet

It’s okay to be reminded there’s hope for the brokenhearted. I believe God is with us in the stillness. It’s a place where peace and sorrow meet.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. ~ Romans 15:13 ESV

What else might we find in such unlikely places?

This morning while watching a hummingbird flit from tall butterfly bushes to compact salvias and catmints, I broke away from the stillness in mourning with a friend for the passing of her most beloved.

I looked up and asked the busy, tiny flyer if he knows the artist who painted his wings and throat and sky and forest. His answer came from deep within high pitched chirping and more flitting and flying, and this brought me a smile.

Peace begins with a smile ~ Mother Teresa

And so, I took the joyous message the hummingbird willingly gave. Then, blowing a kiss into a welcomed august breeze, I thanked him—not only for the word he shared, but for somehow knowing I’ll always hold it in my heart.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. .  ~ Psalm 145:21 NIV

Man and beast He saves

There are many thoughts and interpretations from different beliefs about animals having (or not having) souls or the relationship the Creator has with them. Will they one day share the heavenly realms with humans or are they bound to this earthly existence? Every church and denomination have opinions.

Since I love nature, I choose to look to God’s word for clarification. The words: forever and ever seem clear enough to me.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgements are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. ~ Psalms 36:6 ESV

. . . More scriptures on this not-so-definitive subject regarding heaven and animals?

Finding wisdom

Today, I pray for God’s wisdom so I can continue my search for truth and meaning in the mysteries of life. I’m prompted to remember and share the gift of every blessed day I’ve lived—and to point to the unseen heavenly Father who is with us always. Although joy and peace are sometimes buried under mounds of trials and tribulations, I believe if we keep searching for God’s wisdom, we will find Him. Even in our darkest times. Even when our bicycle tires are flat and we’re unsure of the valleys ahead. If we dig into His word, we can uncover deeper truths and hope for tomorrow along the way. God’s truth.

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. ~ Proverbs 2:6  (KJV)  

When peace and sadness collide

It’s no secret I often take to my writing outdoors. The fresh air inspires me and clears my mind. This afternoon as I watch deer, bunnies, and chipmunks forage under a seven-year-old huge white hydrangea—with two rogue squirrels atop severely bent branches—my smile only comes through tears. I let my heart ache for a friend’s great loss as my mind wanders again to that place where peace and sorrow meet.

The vastness of grief

A broken heart can be likened to a Glacier’s icy crevasse or a mountain’s deep, dark cavernous chasms. Imagining this vastness and imposing doom only add to its fragility. And ours.

The jagged hole cuts deep indeed—But because Jesus gave grace and mercy to all who call on His name we can stand in hope and say so-long until the day of our sweet and glorious reunion. And so today we cling to this hope of forevermore when death is swallowed up in victory.

Behold, I tell you a mystery . . . 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Standing in the gap

Sometimes love means standing in the gap with a friend. Believing God’s promises, we have confidence to ask and pray and so we do, all the while knowing His ways are not always ours.

When the heaviness of goodbye makes it so hard for me to speak, I’m reminded of heaven and how life has a way of teaching us the true meaning of loss—albeit temporary sadness for some or the darkest eternity for others, and the veil between here and there—Perhaps that’s the place where peace and sorrow meet.

Our earthly understanding of miracles is clouded by flesh and bone. God’s way is higher. Until we meet our loved ones again, we’ll be here. Growing and learning.

His Word is a gift to guide us

I pray not all my prayers be petitions. Can it be, sometimes, they are gifts? And for those who don’t believe a prayer even matters—or those who believe they’re all empty and hollow as clanging symbols—even the truest and deepest from one’s soul—what can I say to them?

The whispering trees suggest I only listen and go about my day knowing who I am, and to whom I belong.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord, “He is my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

For my dearest friend with a deeply wounded heart—or one whose path has led to a blessed mountain where peace and sorrow often meet, you know who this rambling is for…

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 ESV

How deep a love

Like songbirds raise their voices to the heavens, I hope to be moved to praise all day and rest in peace thoughout the night. Above all, I ask for wisdom to understand the depth of God’s mercy and grace given to us through Jesus Christ His Son—and especially when a tiny hummingbird’s song becomes a balm that heals everything that ails me.

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. Let not your hearts be troubled… John 14:1-3  ESV 

God is faithful

I pray God’s Holy Spirit moves in me (and you) with peaceful actions that speak louder than written words. After all, each breath we breathe is proof of God’s faithfulness. No matter our circumstances today or tomorrow.

The Word of God—tested throughout the ages—remains. In the light and laughter of our brightest days or the hellish, dark nights when we’re wading into much deeper waters, you are not alone. Jesus. Name above all others, is already there waiting to hold your hand.

 In a place where peace and sorrow meet.

Dear friends,

Let’s lean into the truth of God’s word; this steadfast hope is not only for an abundant future—because the stuff of this world will fade away and there will be a day when all that remains is peace, praise, love, and joy.

Persevering in stillness when life throws us a million arrows is not something we can easily accomplish. Even so, I think heaven is worth the effort.

Please join the conversation here in the Inspire a Fire comments section below this story. I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Read more of my stories on Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog or the DoveStories website.

 

Other resources and articles on this subject:

A Horse Named Mick – Maureen Miller

Soul Care When You’re Grieving – Edie Melson  

 Finding Hope – Diana Derringer

When Peace Like a River Attends My Soul – Nan Jones

Have You Not Heard? – Diana Flegal

Special thanks to Pixabay (and all image artists) for free images: Feature image by Image by Wallace Pires from Pixabay, #1 Image by Arduinna from Pixabay, #2 Image by TRANG NGUYEN from Pixabay, #3 Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.