This time of year can be joyous and painful. I find it to be a mix of both. As I reflect on my past, I remember a loved one. As I consider my present, I’m blessed with family and friends.

There is much conflict in the world around us and it seems to be encroaching into our own part of the world. We are unsure, we are uncertain, we are afraid, and we are sad. We want life to be the way it used to be but then we see beauty in today when someone is kind, thoughtful, and loving.

We don’t know who to blame for chaos in the world or in our own heart. We don’t know when it will end. We hold on to the very Word of God and Jesus who is our hope and our future. We hold to the Healer who mends our hearts and heals our wounds.

Suffering

In the suffering and in the pause,
We search for meaning and the cause.

Nowhere to find the cause nor blame,
Often leads to sob and shame.

In times of difficulty, trial, and disparity,
We pray to the Lord and look for charity.

Asking God to take this cup from me,
We yearn for healing from this we grieve.

Our hearts are anxious and all a flutter;
Then mouths are filled with words we stutter.

In the face of mistrust and uncertain danger,
We look for hope amidst the manger.

Where Christ offers peace like no other,
Sharing good news and how His love covers.

Lives are at stake for all who are lost;
It is Jesus Christ who paid the cost.

So suffering will come, and suffering will leave;
The Word is our hope and our future to cleave.

Fix your eyes on the Healer who delivers us all,
Knowing Jesus has answered from the very first call.

Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. Isaiah 53:4-5

Kim Thomas
November, 2015