My child has been suffering for a few years with mental health challenges. As parents, we suffer with him. He is a believer but the longer this goes on, the harder it is for him to maintain a sense of hope. I frequently pray this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer: "Strengthen his trust in your goodness" (and, for myself, "Strengthen my trust in your goodness." )
That is a beautiful prayer, Jill. Yes these types of sufferings are battles with our mind, that want to rob our hope. Yahweh knows our weaknesses and in each prayer (hourly and by minutes some days), our faith is strengthened and we can get past the pain and find some rest. I love Ps. 23. I battle my mind and my fears remembering that Yahweh is my Shephard and my lambs (my babies) Shepherd as well. I find often that when I am in the battle of hope, scripture will calm my will. I will be praying for strength, tenacity, gifts of hope that shower you in this battle of faith you are in.
Three intense crises in my marriage, the first of which was a total surprise/shock. The third ended up in separation and divorce. One aspect of them was persecution from my husband, who was angry at God. Helps were staying involved in church, scripture and prayer and journaling, getting godly counsel, and a huge one was *support and prayer from fellow believers*. I learned progressively not to "hide" the marriage breakdowns (from closer friends and pastors) and that was key to getting that loving support.
Yes, daily. Will I be able to manage my disability daily as I age. How long will it be before I cannot manage my home? Will I have finances to manage the many medical needs that are not covered by insurance? Am I being foolish living alone as a wheelchair user? When I see this doctor, will the offices be accessible to my wheelchair (yes, this challenge is very real). This type of brain spiraling can happen in so many circumstance regarding work, children, the "houses" Yahweh has called us to serve in. I love the scriptures that JL shared warning us that hardship is apart of growing faith. Often I pray for tenacity to battle my fears, surrendering them again. Sometimes I feel like I am playing catch with the Lord. I take the worry back, and my Father gently calls me to pass it back and let Him hold it. I am thankful that He always calls me back to him.
My pride….in the grand scheme of things, it’s such a little thing but it has made me suffer from time to time. I’ve learned (through prayer)that it’s not about me….my goal is to please the Father. I don’t HAVE to be over the ministry. If the same person is over it all of the time, how will we ever make room for others if my pride says “it’s mine”. It’s not mine…. It’s not about me.
Touchy subject these days, but I feel like people who are not “Christian nationalists” are facing some level of persecution from other Christians who are.
Touchy subject these days, but I feel like people who are not “Christian nationalists” are facing some level of persecution from other Christians who are.
My child has been suffering for a few years with mental health challenges. As parents, we suffer with him. He is a believer but the longer this goes on, the harder it is for him to maintain a sense of hope. I frequently pray this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer: "Strengthen his trust in your goodness" (and, for myself, "Strengthen my trust in your goodness." )
That is a beautiful prayer, Jill. Yes these types of sufferings are battles with our mind, that want to rob our hope. Yahweh knows our weaknesses and in each prayer (hourly and by minutes some days), our faith is strengthened and we can get past the pain and find some rest. I love Ps. 23. I battle my mind and my fears remembering that Yahweh is my Shephard and my lambs (my babies) Shepherd as well. I find often that when I am in the battle of hope, scripture will calm my will. I will be praying for strength, tenacity, gifts of hope that shower you in this battle of faith you are in.
I'm so sorry, Jill. I understand the long road that mental health can be. I'll be praying for your ability to persevere in hope and love.
Strengthen his trust in your goodness….I love that
Three intense crises in my marriage, the first of which was a total surprise/shock. The third ended up in separation and divorce. One aspect of them was persecution from my husband, who was angry at God. Helps were staying involved in church, scripture and prayer and journaling, getting godly counsel, and a huge one was *support and prayer from fellow believers*. I learned progressively not to "hide" the marriage breakdowns (from closer friends and pastors) and that was key to getting that loving support.
Thank you for sharing this, Deanna. It's strengthening.
Yes, daily. Will I be able to manage my disability daily as I age. How long will it be before I cannot manage my home? Will I have finances to manage the many medical needs that are not covered by insurance? Am I being foolish living alone as a wheelchair user? When I see this doctor, will the offices be accessible to my wheelchair (yes, this challenge is very real). This type of brain spiraling can happen in so many circumstance regarding work, children, the "houses" Yahweh has called us to serve in. I love the scriptures that JL shared warning us that hardship is apart of growing faith. Often I pray for tenacity to battle my fears, surrendering them again. Sometimes I feel like I am playing catch with the Lord. I take the worry back, and my Father gently calls me to pass it back and let Him hold it. I am thankful that He always calls me back to him.
Ha! playing catch with the Lord - so true for us.
Your example is a gift.
My pride….in the grand scheme of things, it’s such a little thing but it has made me suffer from time to time. I’ve learned (through prayer)that it’s not about me….my goal is to please the Father. I don’t HAVE to be over the ministry. If the same person is over it all of the time, how will we ever make room for others if my pride says “it’s mine”. It’s not mine…. It’s not about me.
This is beautiful! Way to let it go.
Touchy subject these days, but I feel like people who are not “Christian nationalists” are facing some level of persecution from other Christians who are.
My heart is with you. This is difficult suffering that few understand. I believe God will give you and him that goodness.
Thank you and amen.
Touchy subject these days, but I feel like people who are not “Christian nationalists” are facing some level of persecution from other Christians who are.
Definitely rejection happening around political lines. And yeah--I have heard stories that feel like especially strong and levels of it.