star shaped christmas lights

Peace in suffering at Christmas…in the gospel of Christ

We’ve flipped the calendar and here we are, entering Advent. So, we begin to sing the old familiar hymn… Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Wesley, C., 1739) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk. Read more…

gray and brown cave near on the ocean

In Christ, my grief ends in glory

Lord, perhaps we all need a good cry right now. We’ve collectively walked through many losses in the last two years. Perhaps many wordless prayers have become sighs rather than songs. Maybe Job’s words ring true… Like Job, please help us to share every honest emotion with You in our Read more…

woman looking at sunset

Help me, for You are my Help and Comfort

God, sometimes my prayers are simply, “Help me.” You tell me You are my Helper, in the person of the Holy Spirit. What a gift of Your grace to me! I come to You now, so weak and needing Your help. Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;  wean it Read more…

woman in white sweater and blue denim jeans praying on bed

How to sing the Lord’s song when we’re suffering

Is your landscape starting to look foreign? With head-spinning changes, escalating evil all around, pervasive hardship, and seemingly impossible suffering? I’ve had that kind of week as I write this. Many of us have. Psalms 137 and 138 have been the Lord’s gift to me this week.  God’s people, exiled Read more…

purple leaf

In my Sorrow, Sing to the Man of Sorrows

Is today filled with sorrow, beloved? It is for many of us, dear readers. Our Man of Sorrows, our suffering Servant, our Savior Jesus Christ understands our suffering, sadness, and loss.  This week, let’s remember Jesus who is so near to us in our sadness because He is our Man Read more…