A Special Gift: He is Close

"A Special Gift: A Devotional for Mothers of Children with Unique Challenges"

Day 2 - He is Close

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart." ~ Psalm 34:18

    Your heart is broken. How do you handle the pain of knowing your child faces challenges that others will never face? Where can you turn to lift this crushing heaviness? Who is there to comfort you in your loneliness? Is there anyone who understands?
    Yes, dear mother. The Lord is here. He is close. He sees your pain. He longs to embrace you in His loving arms, to comfort you and to restore your joy.
    Take a moment of rest. Close your eyes and surrender your mind to Him. Feel His love wrap around you. Know that He is close. Know that He is in control and that it WILL be okay. No matter the circumstance, no matter the outcome, He will be there to love you through it.

Let Him be your strength - you don't have to do it on your own.
Let Him be your rest - He will refresh your exhausted and weary soul.
Let Him be your comfort - He will ease your pain.
Let Him be your guide - He will lead you and your child into the future.
Let Him be your companion - He will never leave you.
Let Him be your joy -He will fill your heavy heart with singing.

    You are not alone. The Lord has many hearts on this earth willing to spend time with you, to help you cope with the stress...and the housework. Call upon the Lord's people - contact a local church or your own church and let them know the situation. Do not be afraid.
    You are not alone. There are millions of us in the United States who have children with differences. Contact one of us. Call your local hospital, mental health agencies, or look in the telephone book for support groups in your area. Many support groups can be found on the Internet. Know that we pray for you when we lift up prayers for others in the same situation.
   No matter what, you are not alone. The Lord Himself is near.

Prayer: Lord, help me to know You are near. Thank You for your promise to remain close to those whose hearts are broken. Thank You for being my strength, my rest, my comfort, my guide, my companion, and my joy.

Copyright 2000 by Carrie T. Gruman-Trinkner