Have you ever had a conversation that sticks with you long after it's over? This happened to me the other day. Someone that I care for - a personal friend - is in the midst of a difficult struggle that should have ended some time ago. However, as we all know, we don’t get to control the actions and reaction of others. So, waiting for someone else “to do the right thing” becomes our predicament.
My friend shared, and I listened. When our conversation was over, I gave them a hug reassuring them I would help in whatever way possible. As I have thought about our conversation; there was one line that was a “gut punch” to my heart - “I DON’T FEEL SEEN.”
This lovely person, who loves everyone and continually gives of self; actually feels “unseen!” As I replayed the conversation in my head, I wondered if I made them feel this way? Do I share how much they mean to me? To walk through a season of difficulty because of someone else is one thing; however, to feel unseen during this time – that is a different “level” of hurt.
Today, as I reflect, I was reminded of a time when I felt “unseen.” It felt dry - much like being in a desert; and therefore, I want to offer hope. If you find yourself in a similar place my friend, I encourage you to read on. I believe the Lord has something He wants you to know!
There is “a quote” that hangs in my office because I need reminders. Reminders of not only “who I am,” but more importantly, “whose I am.” As a follower of Jesus, I am child of God, and the Bible tells me throughout, “He is with me.” He is Emmanuel, God with us (me)!
The quote hanging in my office reads: “The Bible shows us that the wilderness is the place where we encounter and are refreshed by the presence of God. The wilderness is where non-anxious leaders are formed, where we learn to become adaptive, creative, and resilient leaders in God’s strength, not ours!”
I believe there is something that happens to us in the struggle - in the desert place. We will allow it to destroy us - or - we will grow. It is in the desert that we learn: we don’t have to rely on our own strength - we can fully trust and rely on God’s. And perhaps, “in the desert” or “in the struggle” is where the Lord does His finest work.
Moses, addressing the Israelites said, “Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that He would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then He fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don’t live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God’s mouth.”
It is in the desert that God refines us - where you learn what you are made of; and, whether you will trust Him through the difficult season. In these times we may feel the most alone - unseen, unheard, and perhaps forgotten. I know this part of the journey all too well, and I can empathize with you; however, may I encourage you as well? YOU ARE NOT ALONE – you are seen and you are heard!! Read the words of the Psalmist, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Also, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”
Believing these words is: learning to trust and live by the words that come from the mouth of God. Even when it seems like I’m alone and unseen, I can trust and believe that God is with me! He cares about me, sees me and hears me – that is why the Bible calls his love - “unfailing.”
Dear reader, as you walk through a difficult season, know that you are not alone! God is with you; and He loves and cares for you deeply! You only need to cry out to Him - there is an end to your desert. The Israelites were in the desert forty years; and, God was with them every step of the way!! You may feel your desert has been long, but the Lord will be there to help, when you call on Him. Look for ways in which He moves; they may be subtle, but He is moving nonetheless. And if I may offer one more thing - find a “Jesus-following community” and surround yourself. It will be there, you will find people who will lift and spur you on, as you trust that the Lord in leading you. You’ve got this! Keep moving forward, Jesus is with you!
One last thought: If you are not in this season, but know of someone who is; let them know how much you love and care for them. No one should journey alone - isolation is the best tactic of the enemy. We all need someone; so, love those that are hurting; encourage them, and build them up!!