Christian Living · Faith · Hope

When Silence is Deafening and Hope Wanes

Today is a two cup day. That second cup is steeping now.

The house is unusually quiet, worship music fills the air, a candle flickers before me, and I’m kind of undone.

We have a difficult family situation weighing on me. My heart is tender and my mind is divided. I’ve attempted to clean my floors, do dishes, straighten piles, and none of it has the power to ease my mind. My prayers are heart-felt. My desire for restoration is overwhelming.

I’ve sent countless text messages to a family member with no response.

No response.

Lonely and discouraged live on both sides of that silence. My heart hurts at the reality of this situation. I’ve crafted possible stories about this closed-door.  That’s what you do when you are desperate for answers, control, and restoration.

Only after my endless laboring I finally sat still long enough to remember the high price for reconciliation has already been paid. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection paid it all. All the hurt. All the wounds. All the healing. It’s all wrapped up in the hope of the gospel. A bridge exists and hope ushers in new strength. I find myself in a posture of surrender as I sit here typing. My soul swells with possibility because this isn’t up to me, after all.

I don’t know what hard situation you are facing today. I suspect some of you are desperate to get your finances right, that relationship repaired, or your addiction under control. I know it’s hard. I suspect lonely accompanies the great weight {and wait} in your world. For you, I pray hope finds you today.

My hope is in Jesus. Some of you cringe at that proclamation. If he has a bad rap with you, I’m sorry. He really is for us. He really did come to take on all our junk so that we could travel light. That doesn’t mean hard things don’t come our way. It means we fight life’s battles from a new strength and purpose.

Today I am holding on to these words from Jesus…for me and for any of you that are suffering.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

13 thoughts on “When Silence is Deafening and Hope Wanes

  1. Thank you for your blog today. Jesus is the only way. He knew loneliness, He knew grief, He knew helplessness when those He came to serve and save didn’t accept it. He still feels that today. We (as a society) have become complacent and crazy. We (the church) can’t be that way anymore. We have to love and support.

    Whatever your burden is today I pray that you are enveloped in Jesus and his saving love and that he reminds you – you don’ have to fix it, you just have to pray and trust me. Love you sister!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Love this!!! That scripture has been my go-to for several months now, and I’m just now recognizing that I have not taken Christ up on his offer to rest, and have suffered for it. I’ll pray about your family situation. The silence can be deafening, but you are right, He has paid it all. Hugs and love:)

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I have no idea what your family situation is that is making your heart heavy, but can say I have been there so many times! The worship music, the cup of tea, the heavy heart, and the posture of knees bent and head down, prayers going up! We do find rest for our souls in Him! Praying for you sweet friend. May you find the peace and rest as you lay your burdens down on Him.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Alyssa, I love how each of your words were crafted to say exactly what was on your heart in such an impact flu and concise way. This hit home. Yes. He has already gone before us and He knows the burdens we hold onto. May we drop them all in pursuit of Him and His infinitely better Peace.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I was looking at the photos of the launch party then scrolled down to find this post. The years and the smiles, the highs and lows of life. I know them well. Jesus is the constant for us. You have written and lived that beautifully.

    Like

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