DEEP DARK VALLEY

These thoughts were written many years ago when I went through a deep dark valley - perhaps they can bless someone else today!


Father,
Some days I simply can’t pray.
My thoughts are
Racing
Rambling,
Scattered
and won’t be silent.
Hurt
Sadness
Disappointment
Regrets
Anger
Envy
Frustration
Doubts
Fears
All shout for my immediate attention.
As I try to make sense of this nonsense
By cautiously divulging my struggles to someone
In a desperate attempt to find help,
I am unmistakably confronted with the reality that,
No one really understands.
No one wants to hear my pain.
No one wants to help bear my burden.
“They” tell me just to let them go.
“I don’t know how!” my heart screams in agony.
If I did, I wouldn’t be looking for understanding!
I wonder if they would know how to let go
If they were in my circumstances?
I’ve walled off my heart,
To stop the pain.
In Your endless grace and mercy, Lord Jesus
Could You please
send someone who honestly cares;
Who will pray for me,
Until I truly die to self
And rise to new hope in Christ?

Karin Ristau

Have you ever been there?
And how did the Lord bring you through?



Comments

Kimberly Pitman said…
I've been there. The valley was so deep and dark that I wondered if I would ever see the sunlight again.

There were different things that brought me through. Mostly it was the knowledge that my children might someday face circumstances as bleak as those I faced at the time. They were watching to see how I coped and if my faith was real or not.

I have to also give credit to my husband for encouraging me, assuring me of his love, praying with me and reading scriptures to me that were helpful at the time.
March 3, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Cathryn said…
Wow. I couldn't have said it any better. Wow.... I am still wading through my valley. Thank you for your prayers.
March 3, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Cathryn said…
You're a good woman Karin.
March 3, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Betsy Banks Adams said…
I was in that valley when my parents and brother died. I was also in that valley when my first husband had an affair with a 'young thing' ---and we later got a divorce.

However, with God's help--I came out of that valley and am sitting on top of the mountain now!!!!! Thanks Be to God.
Hugs
Betsy
March 3, 2009 at 5:50 PM
C. JoyBell C. said…
Oh this sounds all too familiar! Just yesterday, this could have been my prayer!

I came through my just saying "Oh well!" and laughing!

I believe that our strongest, fiercest position is when we are standing on the highest ground of peace. Peace that passes all understanding. One that just makes you go "Oh well!"

:)
March 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM
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