Sometimes along this road of life, sorrow brings despair. We feel alone lost in a sea of darkness. Before us lie mountains, frightening, looming as though impossible to cross. Paralyzed with pain and grief, we feel we cannot take another step. Yet, into that darkness shines a tiny ray of light. Someone reaches out to say a kind word or to sit with us quietly in our darkness. We may hear a song, the tears streaming down our face as we remember a loved one we lost. Into the abyss of our pain, God reaches forth His Hand ever so gently; yet, in anger, fear, and pain we clutch our fist. He whispers His love and bids us to take just one step toward joy. We wonder how? Gently, ever so gently, He wraps His hand of love around our clutched fist and we choose to take one tiny step.
One tiny step that seems so impossible; then, another. Little stumbling ones at first. Our clutched fist loosens and takes His hand as the road causes our foot to slip. Through the mist of our tears, we see little glimpses of kindnesses. The flicker of stars in the darkest night. Then, as the sun begins to rise; we look back to find, we reached the top of the mountain we so feared and joy is ours. It is OK to smile again. When my husband died, I thought somehow my getting on with life or knowing joy would diminish his memory. Instead, it heightens it. His memory is like a cool breeze blowing across my face on a hot summer day.
Along the Road of Life
by Effie Darlene Barba
As I walked along this road of life
Amidst the rambling thorns of strife
I felt the pains-like sharpened knife
Tear open scars of yonder day
I gazed before me – looming there
Mountains filled with evil lair
I wanted then to cry a prayer
Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way
I felt so desperately alone
Until a light before me shone
A King who sat upon a throne
A path to whom before me lay
And then I heard a still small voice
That called to me to sing, rejoice
I pondered then to make the choice
To choose Joy’s song as mine today
I felt within a warmth, a glow
It felt as if my heart did grow
As joy and love within did flow
My pains and sorrows swept away
I took a step, just one at first
Desiring more His hope I thirst
To drink His love until I burst
With laughter’s wondrous ray
My heart rejoicing rose to sing
As lifted up on eagle’s wing
My weakness bids- His strength to bring
My fears and doubts He came to slay
Amazing then before my eyes
The mountains that had hid the skies
No longer did before me rise
Instead beneath my feet did lay
Our Cry When Sorrow Brings Despair
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. the troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain. Psalm 25:16-18
God’s Reply
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful …. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee Zephaniah 3:17-19
He will gather you in His arms and sing His lullaby of love and joy over you. One tiny feeble step at a time and you will see.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
I have been there. Whomever you are, whatever your pain; I wish I could take your hand and help you to see God’s love. He desires to bring you into His bosom and to help you as you walk along this road of life. When sorrow brings despair, He is there in the midst with outstretched hand wanting to help you every step of the way. Will you take one step.
Concluding Tweets
[tweetthis]Amidst the rambling thorns of strife I felt the pains-like sharpened knife[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”I gazed before me – looming there Mountains filled with evil lair I wanted then to cry a prayer Yet, sorrow’s silence stole my way” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”I felt so desperately alone Until a light before me shone A King who sat upon a throne A path to whom before me lay” username=”effiedarlene”]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
JUST RELEASED
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits and Footnotes
Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash