A Letter to My Friend

I want you to know something... on the nights when it is hard, on the nights when you feel all alone, on the nights when you feel forgotten - God hasn't forgotten.

On the days when no one gets it, on the days when you want to scream, on the days when you just want to give up - God hasn't forgotten.

In the midst of all of this ugliness - there is still good. His name is Jesus.

Even when it's hard to feel His presence, even when He doesn't seem near at all, you can hold on to the hope, to the truth that He is here. He has not left us, He has not abandoned us. He will not forsake us. He has not forgotten.

Even when the days drag on and you find yourself thinking the impossible - He has not forgotten.

Even when you are so mad at Him you can't form a single word - He has not forgotten.

Even when you can't find the strength to take another step - He has not forgotten.

"But now listen, you, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says - he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who WILL help you: Do not be afraid, you, whom I have chosen, For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the  dry ground...

...This is what the Lord says- Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?...

...Do not tremble, do not be afraid...

Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one...

...Remember these things, I have made you, you are my servant, I will not forget you."

Isaiah 44 (lots of liberties taken)

I know it feels like we are in this alone, but He has not forgotten us. He has not abandoned us. He has not abandoned the ones we love either. 

We cannot be consumed by our anger or by our hate. 

"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail"

Lamentations 3:22

"Find fulfillment through living close to Me, yielding to My purposes for you. Though I may lead you along paths that feel alien to you, trust that I know what I am doing. If you follow Me wholeheartedly, you will discover facets of yourself that were previously hidden. I know you intimately - far better than you know yourself. In union with Me, you are complete. In closeness to Me, you are transformed more and more into the one I designed you to be."

(Jesus Calling - September 16) 

We have to draw close to Him. He will guide us, he will give us what we need for each day, even when it seems impossible. 

This is not your fault. You are not being punished. You did not do anything to deserve this. You are a fantastic and strong woman. For whatever reason, God knew you and you alone could handle this burden. 

For now, the future seems bleak. It's hard to look at things and not have that overwhelming feeling that things are only going to get worse from here. The truth is ugly. They will get worse. But we are not alone. We can have hope. He is our hope. Even on our darkest days, His light will still shine bright. 

I love you. We will fight together.