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The sun’s intensity pushed me toward any shaded spot I could find.
We were just south of the Judean desert, close to the Dead Sea, in Israel. And it was H-O-T, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot. From the heights of Masada, we were able to see for miles. Beige and brown. An eye-full of arid. Heights and depths. Dust and dirt. Almost no life, save that of a few date palms. The smatterings of shade I found made the desert heat less draining and more bearable, but those pockets of reprieve were hard to come by.
The writer of Psalm 102 was looking for shade as well.
1 Lord, hear my prayer;
let my cry for help come before you.
2 Do not hide your face from me in my day of trouble.
Listen closely to me;
answer me quickly when I call.
3 For my days vanish like smoke,
and my bones burn like a furnace.
4 My heart is suffering, withered like grass;
I even forget to eat my food.
5 Because of the sound of my groaning,
my flesh sticks to my bones.
6 I am like an eagle owl,
like a little owl among the ruins.
7 I stay awake;
I am like a solitary bird on a roof.
8 My enemies taunt me all day long;
they ridicule and use my name as a curse.
9 I eat ashes like bread
and mingle my drinks with tears
10 because of your indignation and wrath;
for you have picked me up and thrown me aside.
11 My days are like a lengthening shadow,
and I wither away like grass.
(Psalm 102:1-11)
The psalmist wants a reprieve from the scorching heat of discouragement (v4), pain (v3), toxic relationships (v8) and unrest (v7). He felt abandoned by God (v10). Forgotten. Crushed. Broken in spirit and body.
I, too, have walked through some arid, scorching deserts of life over the years. The agony of watching my dad suffer the final six months of his life was excruciating. Feelings of helplessness bullied the faith I fought to hang on to. Questions led the dialog in my mind. Gone were the days of plenty. Gone were the days of strength. The desert of my dad’s suffering was brutal and cruel.
And as much as I hated the distress and desolation cancer brought to my family, I held tight to the provision and compassion of God.
A provision and compassion the psalmist gripped too, given by the same eternal (v12), compassionate (v13) God.
12 But you, Lord, are enthroned forever;
your fame endures to all generations.
13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to show favor to her—
the appointed time has come.
(Psalm 102:12-13)
Psalm 102 is an honest cry for help from a hurting human. The author was in a major life pit. A depressing, broken place of agony. And He threw down quite the lament as he poured out his pain before God. After emptying his heart of angst, however, we see a major change take place when he shifted from focusing on his challenges to focusing on his Creator.
25 Long ago you established the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you will endure;
all of them will wear out like clothing.
You will change them like a garment,
and they will pass away.
27 But you are the same,
and your years will never end.
28 Your servants’ children will dwell securely,
and their offspring will be established before you.
(Psalm 102:25-28)
Ah! I see this and take note.
When shade is scarce and pockets of reprieve are hard to come by, we can find comfort and strength knowing that our unchanging God is active, responsive and merciful at all times.
“The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” (Psalm 121:5-6)
We can rest in the promise that the One who laid the foundations of the earth in the beginning (v25) remains the same (v27) and will one day make all things new for those who know and love Him.
Compassionate Creator,
Thank You for being my Shade in every desert. You hear me and are responsive even in times when I feel forgotten, discouraged and abandoned. Help this truth inform my heart and hope.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What has you desperate for shade today?
How does it encourage you to know that God will shield you from pains and strains when you call out to Him as your Shade?
I’d love to pray for you today. Meet me on the wall of my blog and share your heart in the comments section.
Love you, friend.
GWEN
Feel like giving up? Learn how God wants to bring you beyond your past heart-wounds and your present challenges to His wholeness, strength and beauty. Broken into Beautiful is a book filled with stories – real stories … gritty and honest, not cleaned up and phony. It’s also filled with Scripture that will inspire you toward the life-changing grace of Jesus. To order the book, go to Amazon or, for a signed copy, visit Gwen’s web store.
And be sure to connect with me on Instagram and listen to the GRACEOLOGIE podcast!
Comments 80
7 years ago ( 2013) my husband of almost 25 years of marriage left me for another woman. I’ve found out he cheated many times during our marriage and was with this woman for a few years before he left. He is still with her today. My children who are now 25, 23, 19 have now excepted their relationship. I’m glad they have a relationship with their father but I am still struggling with their relationship with her. They blame me for a lot of things, even saying that I have a banded them. When my ex first left I was going to church four nights a week going to divorce care groups and anything that would help me to cope. Their truth is that I wasn’t there for them. I was a stay at home mom thankfully and was there for everything my kids ever faced in their life. My ex worked for the studios and he was never around. This has been very difficult.Fast forward to now I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past seven years with my children, dating… Just trying to cope and move on like everybody keeps telling me I need to do. Yes I am going to therapy! Recently I met someone and thought this was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with . Totally fell in love, and I thought I would never feel this again! It seemed mutual. We dated for six months and he just recently broke up with me, telling me he needed time , I was the right girl wrong time. And now I am devastated once again. Really struggling spiritually as well. Wondering why God would bring him into my life only to take it away, and feel this deep pain again that I never thought I would ever feel after my husband left. Since this pandemic and not being able to go anywhere or do anything I’ve spent the last probably eight weeks pretty much in bed crying, Praying… and watching Netflix, Because when I’m watching I don’t think about him or anything else it keeps me numb.
Also, since the pandemic like many others I’m not working, and a year ago I had to move back in with my mother because I can’t afford a place of my own. My children the three of them live in an apartment together my daughter pays half the rent and my ex pays the other half. I don’t know what I’m going to do what I want to do just feeling very worthless…
I’m waiting to have shoulder repair surgery, but due to the coronovirus and the fact that I’m over 70, my surgery has been postponed again and again and again… I’m in good health other than this, but the constant pain and inability to ‘do’ as I’m use to is wearing me down….both mentally and spiritually…not to mention home life is not near what it should be for two people who call themselves Christians 😣.
feeling Insecure and insufficient. anxiety and worry over every small things that I did, I will do, I have said, I will say is slowly consuming me to the core. At times, I feel I am going to lose it. It is irrational I know.
I feel a little desperate right now in my current situation in life. I am pregnant with my fourth child and my parents have been living with us for over two years. I have an amazing husband, but I am not completely healed from my childhood. My mother was mentally and emotionally abusive and my dad was gone working as a truck driver most the time. I am trying to heal from all the hurts they caused me and to forgive them, but it is so hard. They are both very emotional people. My dad is angry all the time and my mother is upset about something almost every day. They both yell and cause quite a toxic situation for me as well as my kids. I want to help them but I feel like I’ve done all I can and they haven’t changed much. I need the shade of the Lord to protect me and my family.
I’ve made some mistakes in my past that have led me to believe i may have something physically wrong with me. I refuse to go to the doctor because I don’t want to worry my parents. There are days where I feel perfect and others where I’m paranoid.
The uncertainty is driving me crazy.
I pray for mercy and another opportunity to health.
I am 8 months married to my husband
And in the midst of adjusting to living together for the first Time and still getting to know each other i ended up finding out that i was pregnant 5 months ago. We are about to have a baby boy in September God willing, and BOY has it been A hard rough road. From finding out my husband was hiding an addiction to chewing tobacco that i never knew about( which by the grace of God he’s been set free from), to having him have nothing saved , nor much in his account ( i has more than he did) To us Havinf horrible communication, to now having a son, to now going through the hardship of my desire to be home with our Child at least the first year to him not understanding and wanting me to go back to work because financially it’s going to be hard to do with only 1 income and two it’s as if it seems to him That it’s unfair that i should be home while he may have to get another job. It’s been a real Struggle to the point where he said he wanted a divorce , but out of anger. I just need prayer for nt marriage and my Husband to realize that Men are callled to be the providers ! A women shouldn’t need a man to depend on her , a women wants to be able To know she can feel safe an secure and depend on him. Don’t get my wrong i am a worker and currently am, and i have no issues with working but now that a child is coming. All i asked was For me to be home for the first year of the babies life. After days of arguments , he finally came
To mends and said we will see if we can make it work .. I know in my heart i am called to be a mom, but my husband doesnt understand that. It’s been feeling as is the enemy is trying to rewin my marriage, but i believe God will restore it. I just would like prayer for my husband Matt and I and the health of our baby boy. And lastly for Us to trust God that he will get us through financially when it comes time for me To be home
For the year with our son.
I feel broken I have lost my job in this pandemic and I have been broken in to pieces behind it I know God is able but right now I feel so alone and I feel like there is no hope Im 58 with health issues and just lost I need to feel God’s presence right now and I dont
I need prayer
Please pray for my daughter, Annie. She is an addict and is living on the streets. She is in legal trouble, but I doubt that she will show up for court, which will only get her in more trouble. I have not heard from her in weeks. Thank you
Gwen please pray for me as I am in a place of despair,my adult child is an addict and I am struggling to quit letting him manipulate me.Its so hard to see him suffer.Please pray for us both. Thank you and God bless you.
In the wake of the Pandemic I find myself extremely overwhelmed with how things are being handled. I’ve had a lot of anxiety about returning to work, alot of anxiety even about dying. In the midst of that my dog of 13 years is facing some health challenges that the Dr. Says isn’t good. But I know God has the final say. I need pray for peaceful thoughts. I know my faith is being tested. And the stress is the work of the enemy as fear is not of God and neither is confusion. Please pray for a peaceful mind. A peaceful spirit; knowing that God takes care of his children. Thanks
In the wake of the Pandemic I find myself extremely overwhelmed with how things are being handled. I’ve had a lot of anxiety about returning to work, alot of anxiety even about dying. In the midst of that my dog of 13 years is facing some health challenges that the Dr. Says isn’t good. But I know God has the final say. I need pray for peaceful thoughts. I know my faith is being tested. And the stress is the work of the enemy as fear is not of God and neither is confusion. Please pray for a peaceful mind. A peaceful spirit; knowing that God takes care of his children. Thanks
Pray for my aging parents 90 and 92 and my husband who has been battling depression
Please pray for my husband who has stage 4 lung cancer and has been given no hope. We are praying for a miracle healing.
My cat of 12.5 years has been missing for almost 3 days. I am heartbroken and have been plagued with bouts of anxiety like I have never experienced before. Please pray for both me and my beloved pet. For her to safely return and for my mental health.
Thank you
Please pray for my husband and two daughters to return to God.
I’m Desperate for shade in relationships. I want God’s leading every step of the way, so that I make no missteps. Please pray for me. .
Please pray for my daughter Jamie who is struggling with addiction and wants so desperately to get better and get her son Ryder back.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for what you shared. Please pray for my daughters and I as we go through the process of a extended protection order from their dad. Pray for a smooth and quick process in court and our continued safety and my husband’s heart. He walked away from God and his church several years ago and it is so evident in his life.
You were created to know God in a personal way—to have a relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ! May the Lord bless you as you seek His Salvation!—
Know GOD! 🎚
https://harvest.org/know-god/
Knowing God Questions
https://harvest.org/know-god/questions/
Amen
Our household suffers from alcoholism. As you may know the tongue can say some harsh things. Yesterday, you all talked about thinking before you talk. That didn’t happen and an argument did. Please pray for us. Thank you!
Please pray for tinnitus in my left ear and loss of sleep. To have faith over fear! Also up coming test to be done by my ENT. Thank you 🙏
I love the devotionals that I get in my email daily from Girlfriends in God. I just wanted to say that this really spoke to me today, as I have recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. It was so reassuring to be reminded once again from scripture that my God will be with me through all of this journey, and will be the shade at my right hand. Thank-you and God bless you in your ministry.
Hi I am lost. I need God’s guidance. I’m scared. I want to do the right thing.
My son worries me with him drinking to much. I have been praying for years, for God to put some good Christians in his life. Also have been praying for a loving, faithful Christian girl for him to share his life with! My hearts desire is for him to find the right path to follow in life, with the right leader Jesus!
My precious dog and companion is sick, her kidneys and now liver aren’t functioning properly, and I’m terrified. She has seen me through the worst years of my life – becoming disabled and losing the ability to work, walk, and becoming more & more isolated. She’s always been here for me, even though I can’t care for her as I once did. My heart breaks thinking of her in pain, and the thought of losing her is unbearable. I cry out to God for her daily.
Seeking reprieve from Anxiety and depression. Please Lord give me an appetite for life amidst this storm. My health is being affected and I am scared.
Hello ‘today marks one year since my husband went to be with Jesus ‘ we suffered together off and on for many yesrs with his chronic health conditions and the last year was the worsed of it ‘ however i am joyful thst hes not suffering anymore but my hesrt and soul still does ‘ and my life has done a complete 360 ‘ i ask for prayers to be a blessing to others and to be a joy to the Lord ‘ thank you
I seek pray for being consisted in spending quality with GOD. There are many days I have allow the busy-ness of Life (Work, Family, Friends, Classes, Laziness, Housework and etc.) taking me away from taking time to spend with my Heavenly Father. I feel bad, ashamed that I did not honor him like I should everyday. I appreciate your prayers
Healing in the relationship of my grandson and woman he’s with. They have a family.
My much loved daughter is awaiting a parole decision. The Corona Virus has entered her institution. Please pray for a quick positive decision and our continued faith and strength no matter what the board decides. We know that God is in charge and has given us many miracles and blessings during this sad time. Still this definitely is the desert . Please pray too for her preschool daughter; who doesn’t understand all of this. Your prayer team has been praying for us and have been another blessing. GIG devotions begin my every day. I pray for your ministry.
My husband and I are both jobless and struggling to makes ends meet. We have 3 kids. The oldest of which is in college. We are going to have to uproot everyone and go live with my mom while we try to get back on our feet. I know God has a plan but I am so scared. I cry out to Him everyday for help and guidance but I am so scared.
my husband has a-lot of health issues and i pray everyday for god to heal him he suffers everyday and its warring on my soul, i took marriage vows for better or worse and sickness in health, i trust in god everyday of my life or i would not be the Christian i am today. my mom also has been suffering from shingles for 4 yrs. her pain and scares are ecsuraiting, please pray for her also
My 8 year old granddaughter has been diagnosed with cancer. My family was hurt by the church and now don’t trust in God and His infinite love. I feel the hurt my family bares and pray that they will trust God for their strength.
Praying mother and grandmother 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
My husband passed away from cancer a month ago. I watched him suffer from the pain and it tore my heart apart. Our adult children were with me for awhile, despite the pandemic that told us to distance. They have now returned to their families and I am working through my grief and feelings of loneliness. I have spiritual support from my church, but being unable to be with others in person is hard. Thank you for praying for me.
My husband passed away in March and I am dealing with financial issues that may require an attorney, money I don’t have, so please pray that it is God’s will that all goes quickly and smoothly in resolving my issues as well as healing my broken heart
Thank you
My son just graduated from college with honors and just under a 4 point gpa. His dream has been to be accepted into medical school. During spring break he made a life altering mistake when he made the decision to drink and drive and totaled his car. He was the only one involved, but instead of calling us, he called 911 and was arrested and spent the night in jail. He hasn’t touched alcohol since. We see so many blessings from God that has come out of this. We trust God to get us through this. Now more than ever he wants to go to medical school, but it’s going to be really tough to get in. Thank you and bless you.
Good morning Gwen.
Thank you for your ministry. Please pray for me as I seek His shade for anger and unemployment.
May God continue to bless you. Be safe.
Today I feel really sad eight years ago I try to have my house license to taking special needs people. I was turned down because of things my husband did. They said I didn’t make the right choices. I left it alone and we applied this past year. Only to get a letter yesterday telling me I was denied again. I was so sad I really wanted to do this but just seems like things just don’t work out for me. Sometimes I don’t understand why things have always got to be the way they are. I always feel that no matter whatI can’t get ahead. Pray for God’s direction in my life because right now I feel like I’m all alone in this no help from now. Like in your story today I know God is still there it’s just that right now I don’t feel it.
Looking for a little shade for my friend who suffers daily from Parkinson’s Disease. Today’s devotion from Ps. 121:5, gave me another refreshing reference to share with her. Thanking you for online access to your daily devotional reading from GIRLFRIENDS IN GOD. I have been a follower for a number of years.
Thanks be to God.
Please pray for my son who is a senior and going into the Airforce Academy to play baseball but was DQ,d bc of headaches. We are working on a medical waiver and my prayer is that God will heal him from the debilitating headaches by the time he goes off to college. Thanks.
Hi I’m a doctor, recently left my husband after 13 years of domestic abuse just before pandemic hit, living alone with my doggie, got Coronavirus a week after I moved into my rental, was isolated for a month in rental no human contact for a month other than on zoom. Back to work now but still very little contact. I never was able to have children but have 3 step boys I raised who I haven’t seen in almost 3 months due to situation. Struggling with loneliness, sadness over my marriage, confusion you name it. I’m grateful for work because I can find meaning in caring for people. I praise God everyday for providing this alone time also to get close to him. I ask Him everyday to help me live in his love despite these trials.
Hi I’m a doctor, recently left my husband after 13 years of domestic abuse just before pandemic hit, living alone with my doggie, got Coronavirus a week after I moved into my rental, was isolated for a month in rental no human contact for a month other than on zoom. Back to work now but still very little contact. I never was able to have children but have 3 step boys I raised who I haven’t seen in almost 3 months due to situation. Struggling with loneliness, sadness over my marriage, confusion you name it. I’m grateful for work because I can find meaning in caring for people. I praise God everyday for providing this alone time also to get close to him. I ask Him everyday to help me live in his love despite these trials.
“active, responsive and merciful at all times.” This is a great reminder for me. My uncle, who raised me, is terminally ill. He’s been sick for years but it has gotten progressively worse over the last two years. Recently he has started to have dementia. Although I’ve known him to be sick, this new stage is very hard to process. It is very painful to see such a strong man become physically weak and to be lost in his own mind. It is heartbreaking really. Last night I felt so hopeless and tired. Reading this devotional this morning has given renewed my strength. Being reminded that God is ACTIVE always. He never leaves is and He never stops working on our behalf. Thank you so much for encouraging is and for reminding us of God’s promises.
Still praying for the same thing. 4 years now. Healing in my family with daughter-in-law specifically.
DJW I don’t know what’s going on with your family or your DIL, but we have suffered greatly over the past 4 years as well with our son and DIL. Haven’t seen our grandbabies in over 4 years or even met one of them. I won’t go into details, but just know that I am praying for you, even if it’s not the same as ours. May God heal your family and bless you with provision and favor.
I really need as many prayers as possible. I have fallen into a dark place, it’s like I know what I need to do to get out and every morning I say today is the day to start fresh. I start off in the morning in my word, I even do well in the afternoon. However the evening or when the craving comes!!! I’m struggling with depression, alcohol and food. I have gained 50lbs within the last year because of the all three. Last year this time I was at my ideal weight, alcohol free, exercised and prayed throughout the day. I am asking the Lord to please come and rescue me I do not like the person I’m am becoming. Thank You in advance for the prayers!!! I Am In Need Of A Breakthrough!!!!!!
Gwen, please pray for me, my health waiting for doctor result, i trust God everything will be ok,
please pray for my faiths in life my insecurities,
Please pray for me! I need plenty of shade. I love Girlfriend in God! It has gotten me through some tough times! Thank you!
Hi, today I am dealing with a depressed feeling due to my job and the being home in the house every day. I usually work from home 2 days a week. I am currently the only supervisor and we put hiring someone else dur to the pandemic (working at home). I am overworked, I feel unappreciated (even though that could be my feelings), I am underpaid but the next level isn’t something I want to do. I have placed distance between God and myself. I feel the gap in my relationship with God. I desire to get my prayer life back, hear from God for direction in all areas of my life, lose weight, create a healthier lifestyle, get my physical home and finances back in order. I put myself here but have no idea how to safely get out without losing my mind and self.
Hi, today I am dealing with a depressed feeling due to my job and the being home in the house every day. I usually work from home 2 days a week. I am currently the only supervisor and we put hiring someone else dur to the pandemic (working at home). I am overworked, I feel unappreciated (even though that could be my feelings), I am underpaid but the next level isn’t something I want to do. I have placed distance between God and myself. I feel the gap in my relationship with God. I desire to get my prayer life back, hear from God for direction in all areas of my life, lose weight, create a healthier lifestyle, get my physical home and finances back in order. I put myself here but have no idea how to safely get out without losing my mind and self.
Can you please pray for me. I’ve been forgetting my words that I want to say more frequently. It’s very frustrating and embarrassing. I’ve been to have an mri but they can’t find anything wrong. He thinks I’m not getting enough sleep but I don’t believe that’s the case. Just prayers for healing please. Thank you
I need the shade of the Lord’s peace. The lose of friends and family have left me with an overwhelming sense of sadness.
Gwen I can so relate to this. Please pray for me I have rheumatoid arthritis. Daily struggle with pain and extreme fatigue. Plus chronic bad pain even after surgery. I have to remind myself daily that God is with me. He’s here in my pain.
Miss Gwen:
I thank God for the daily devotionals sent by GIG, which I’ve read for years.
I am requesting prayer because I am in desperate need of deliverance and shade from nearly three decades of failed and toxic relationships with men. I am forty-two years old, and I have had two failed marriages and numerous quite painful, devastating dating relationships. I’ve experienced date rape, domestic violence and an abortion which haunts me from years ago. I feel so used, dirty and worthless. Recently, I had another man, whom I dated briefly in college and have admired for years since that time, reject me for a relationship, which has made me feel even worse. I opened up to him about my past failed relationships, and now I believe he sees me as damaged goods and wants nothing to do with me romantically.
So, I’m struggling, I’m grieving and I’m regretting. I have repented of my transgressions toward the Lord from my doubt, fear, worry and sexual sin, but I wrestle with the shame, guilt and embarrassment of my past predicaments, which caused me to act irrationally out of emotion and not the Lord’s wisdom.
I sincerely appreciate your intercessory prayer. Thank you, and God bless you.
Please help me find peace.
I just buried my Grandfather, who is basically my Dad. I’ve lived with him for 10 years and now hes finally free from cancer and with the Lord and his wife. Now I am 29 years old going threw his things, trying to figure out how to sell the home I’ve grown up in because I cant afford to keep it, the man I’ve always leaned on is gone. The hole in my heart is throbbing and I dont know how I am going to make it emotionally, financially, and mentally. I am crying out to my father to give me shade from the pain and to provide for me a place to call my own. I prayed the night before before my Grandads passing after reading another of your devotionals, Lord I’m trusting you, take the lead. Now here I am with only God to rely on and, I although am scared, completely trust my father above will get me through this pit that seems to grow ever deeper. I’m riding out this storm with my eyes on my Jesus, with a heart of hope. Thank you Jesus that you will see me through. Please be with all of us who need you. Thank you for your greatest gift, my relationship with you. Amen. Gwen, thank you for the Girlfriends wisdom that has guided many of my days, you’re a true light in the lives of many. The love of Jesus shines bright through your words in my dark times.
God Bless You, Girlfriend
Nikki
I’ve been a Christian for 30 yrs or so. Recently I fell into drinking & can’t get out of it. I love the Lord with all my heart. Have I lost my salvation?? I need to be set free!! Please help me!!
I need prayer, I’m drinking way too much, I’m so sick of myself, how in the world did this get such a hold on me? I’m a Christian, I love the lord with all my heart, I pray for God to take this addiction away!
I need prayer ,my husband made me get out in February . My friend took me in ,I’m now finding out about other women and the life he is leading
. Pray for God to speak to my husband and he’ll see what he is doing will have consequences. I’m unsure of my future,it is leading to divorce . Pray that I will follow the path that God provides and that I will put my trust in him ..
Pray for my daughter Freda and my grandson Tyler for the Lord to open their and heart to receive Him. Also for my grandson to graduate from high school this year and to become more motivated and responsible. That he will join his teachers in the online work which he refuses to do. I pray please God help him. Thank you.
So many people are hurting, including myself. I know our God is more than a conqueror. I know I can call on Him in times of trouble. The days still hurt and the pain is still real. I am in a difficult situation and I need His will to be done. I need His guidance and I need His words. My husbands mind is in a spiritual warfare. He is overcome with failure, defeat and devastation. He longs to be a provider and he just cannot seem to win. He struggles with every turn. There is no doubt he loves me and our children but sadly his anger and lack of self control hurts us the most. His words are piercing and his actions repeatedly hypocritical. He needs help. We need help. Please pray with me that God will spare him from this mental turmoil. That he will soften his heart to hear from those that want to help. That we will find the right counsel and he will seek them with an open, clear mind. Lord, I pray that he will be spared from pushing away those that love him and that his tongue will be tamed so he does not ruin his most important relationships.
Please pray for my son who is addicted to drugsand Also that he can find a job
I have dealt with two very serious health problems in the past two years. One a heart problem which almost claimed my life but for the grace of God and the other a hip fracture This has left me with little energy and quite fatigued. I need prayers for the fatigue to be gone and my strength return so I can do more for the Lord and live a better life. Thank you for your prayers and all you are doing in your life
Please pray that my 22 year old son will find happiness and be free of his depression, which has gone on since last summer. I have been praying daily for him and he seems to be doing better. Please pray that he continues to heal as it’s been the saddest year for both of us!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I have been dealing with the loss of two loved ones in the past year (my father and my brother-in-law). I have also gone without the use of my cpap machine for about a month. I use it to deal with a sleeping disorder. I got a new one sometime within the last two weeks and have had to find a facial mask that works best for me. I got the best one yesterday and had a great nights sleep! On top of that I am in recovery from co-occuring disorders (mental health issues and substance abuse). I recently celebrated 8 years of sobriety and have not been admitted to a psych ward for that same amount of time. Also, I went back to college and will receive my Mental Health Worker Certificate after i finish my internship. Originally the internships were scheduled for the summer but they have been postponed until the fall due to the current pandemic. However, the school is offering online workshops from now until the middle of May and college courses and workshops starting in June. I am also participating in online support groups and classes to keep in touch with my supportive communities (Mental health centers that I used to participate in before the pandemic). God has blessed me so much!
God bless you!
Stay safe!
Stay home!
My husband is in need of surgery for his teeth, plus an Ent for he cannot hear out of one ear. we do not have health insurance. please pray God provides the right doctors and away for us to pay .
Good Morning . Thank you for your topic as I asking for prayer over a relationship with a roommate and issues that keep arising and am asking for both of hearts to softened and allowing Our Gracious Heavenly Father for his peace of understanding dwell deep with the both of us. Blessings .Love Joanne
My husband and I have been married for 41 years. He loves me and I love him. During this season of quarantine tho, it has been evident that the depth of our relationship is not very deep. I am craving a relationship with him that includes sharing our faith and praying together.
Please pray for our country and our economy. So many people are without jobs and feeling desperate right now. It is scary. Pray our leaders will allow people to return to work safely.
I need shade because my sister Dawn is in the hospital. Her Kidneys have failed. Blood pressure up and down. She had Covid-19. The doctors are telling her daughters that she doesn’t want to live. Yet I am praying for God’s will to be done in her life. I have left it at that. I know God has the final say. I do believe as she is walking thru the valley of the shadow of death that Jesus is with her. I leave it at that.
Please pray for my 28 year old friend, Austin, who is gravely ill with a heroin addiction. He is a believer but his self esteem is broken. Pray he is able to get into a rehab this week…he is on a waiting list.
I loved this because it reminds of all times I’ve stepped away from God in my past. Thinking He didn’t know best when she has all along. I’ve been stuck in my Desert 🌵 for so long dried up, needing spiritual hydration but I was trying fill my earthly desires rather than trust God to Restore my Spiritual desire to Surrender and Let Him Be Lord over my life. I felt so barren in my soul, my mind was filled with toxic things and God was there every time but I wasn’t ready to surrender at that time. I Never Knew how deeply Satisfying it was to Invite my creator into my heart, soul & mind and the sheer wave of Restoration was nothing like I ever felt from any earthly pleasure. Thank you Gwen for today’s blog. It touched me very deeply.
Dear Gwen,
Our hearts are heavy at present as my son-in-law father of two children aged 9 and 12 has been missing since last Friday. We now know he is at least alive as he has made contact with my daughter via email but will not disclose where he is. He is still considered missing by the Victorian Police. It is now 5 days and we don’t know where he is. I pray for protection over him and Gods grace to cover my daughter and the children.
I have stepped out in faith many times and God has cushioned me on every occasion. My vice is impatience. I struggled with the waiting period for God to answer my prayers. I struggled with finding solutions on my own. Please help me to pray for the patience needed to change my status.
Fay,
I too will pray for you, “ my friend in Christ”. God will provide strength and perseverance in your heart. I will pray for your healing and peace in God’s work.
Praying my parents are able to stay well along with the rest of us. Praying that the induced fear and distrust of what the world is facing will be blanked by God with knowing He is the only one we can truly trust.
Good morning Gwen, thank you for this devotional today. I was truly encouraged by it. I am going through this season you described, but I am trusting God to be the shade upon my right hand. I am a cancer patient and the fear of suffering and ultimate death bombards my thoughts minutely even when I try to apply Philippians 4:8 , I know there’s no distance in prayer, will you pray for me specially this morning. Thanks. I live in the Jamaica.
I have suffered from depression for years and God has always been there through it all. but I was angry with Him for years. I am currently going through a painful divorce. I was diagnosed with AIDS in 1998 and suffered greatly. Then my parents were taking away by lung cancer suddenly. Now I am going through a divorce. I just did not understand why God would allow so much pain in my life. The pain I felt was deep and excruciating but I held onto God and things are looking up for me. God has started to heal my pain and He is turning things around for better.
Praying my friend. God has always even there for you and will continue as He promises never to leave or forsake you. Cling to that as you go through this season. He will hold your hand and walk through this with you.