Day 117 of 365 days of Solace: Love Heals

119 days ago something happened that I didn't feel prepared for. A heavy burden was placed on my heart and sorrow began to sit upon me in a way that I had not experienced in a long time. I didn't know how I'd manage the emotions that I felt might consume me.

Through it all, I continued with faith and hope in looked to God in prayer and study. I knew that He could help me, where it didn't seem very hopeful. It didn't happen immediately, but I gradually began to notice that my burden felt lighter and my sorrow was turned to smiles. The tight chains that were hurting me, instead turned into restraints of humility and peace. Any tendency to want to hurt those that caused injury to me melted into complete forgiveness. I also began to see the tender mercies of God's hand each day of this trial-- be it through kind words, treats to my doors, or a song of comfort playing into my dreams at night.

I can say unequivocally that it is only through the grace of God that I am at peace. Even with my boat still upon stormy waters, I testify of the truth and power of Christ's words:

John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I am at peace, and I am no longer afraid of what is or what yet may be. I can't rejoice enough in this comfort which comes from a higher power, well beyond myself. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ each of us can be blessed. There is no battle of the mind, body, or spirit which was not first victoriously overcome in the garden of Gethsemane

If we stand on the side of Jesus Christ, the ultimate champion, we can face any battles, and we can be champions through Christ.

Love,
Christine

P.S. Here's a song I just discovered, and I think the words are truly encouraging.

Tell Your Heart to Beat Again 

By Danny Gokey

You're shattered
Like you've never been before
The life you knew
In a thousand pieces on the floor
And words fall short in times like these
When this world drives you to your knees
You think you're never gonna get back
To the you that used to be

Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace

Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you've been
And tell your heart to beat again
Beginning

Just let that word wash over you
It's alright now
Love's healing hands have pulled you through
So get back up, take step one
Leave the darkness, feel the sun

'Cause your story's far from over
And your journey's just begun
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in

Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore
Say goodbye to where you've been

And tell your heart to beat again
Let every heartbreak
And every scar
Be a picture that reminds you
Who has carried you this far
'Cause love sees farther than you ever could
In this moment heaven's working

Everything for your good
Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
Step into the light of grace
Yesterday's a closing door
You don't live there anymore

Say goodbye to where you've been
And tell your heart to beat again
Your heart to beat again
Beat again
Oh, so tell your heart to beat again