When an Old Word Stirs New Hope
“God, I know you’re always with me, but I feel so alone today. I know you’re a God who speaks, but lately you’ve been so quiet. Could you please do SOMETHING to let me know you see me today?”
That was the little prayer I spoke before heading out on a walk a few days ago. I’d spent time trying to connect with the Lord in the pale light of dawn. I’d read scripture and scribbled in my prayer journal. I’d lingered and listened.
But the words in my Bible had been clouded by my own frustrated tears, and God seemed so very far away. So, I grabbed my earbuds and put on my shoes, then opened my podcast app to listen to whatever was next in my cue.
It was the Encouragement for Today podcast that kept me company while the dogs pulled me along my neighborhood walking path. (I like to pretend I’m walking the dogs, but usually, they’re walking me. Can anyone relate? Send help and a free dog trainer please!)
Before I knew it, a string of strangely familiar words streamed through my earbuds. In fact, they weren’t just familiar; they were mine.
On that ordinary Tuesday on a cool gray day in Michigan, the cadence for my steps was a message I’d written in another season to share a poignant truth God was teaching me then.
“It was in the lonely places where Jesus sought intimacy with His Father instead of the empathy of others.
And in our lonely places, God invites us to do the same.
We may want someone to step into our struggles and feel our pain, but God invites us to step into His presence and find peace.
We may look for comfort from the friends around us, but God offers consolation through His Spirit within us.
We may long for someone to listen and understand, but God invites us to be heard and known.
It’s not easy to trust God in our disappointments or sit with Him in our struggles. But as I follow my Savior’s example, I’m learning that what looks like a lonely place in our eyes is often just a sacred space in disguise.
And when we seek Him in those places where no one else can go, we find Him waiting with a hope that no one else can offer.”
I laughed out loud right there on the sidewalk as that long-ago message filled my heart with right-now encouragement.
“Ok, God,” I acquiesced while the tears spilled silent down my cheeks. “You see me.”
So today I’m here to remind you that sometimes God speaks a new word over a new day.
And sometimes, He simply resurrects an old truth we’ve forgotten.
But either way, dear friends, He sees us.
And, even when we feel lonely, we are not alone.
You can listen to the podcast that encouraged me here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/encouragement-for-today-podcast/id1663901839?i=1000606417386
And if you could use some encouragement straight from scripture each week, be sure to subscribe to the Encouragement for Today podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
Before you go, what “old word” has stirred new hope for your lately? Share it here and we’ll all be encouraged.
I am new to your website and blog. God showed up today and led me here. I read this and cried. Our Christian journey is not always easy, yet I know God is there. This really lifted me up today. Thank you so much. 😊
Nikki, I’m so glad our paths crossed here. I agree with you—the journey across the dust of this earth sure can be bumpy. I’m so glad we don’t walk it alone. Grateful for Jesus at our side. I’m pausing to pray for you now.
I’ve read this lovely message and listened to the podcast. This post is beautiful because it reminds me of this: The one who trusts in God shall be “like a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river…and that tree shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8). The season of drought is not an easy one. But as long as we have our roots reaching the river, we will be sustained. We commune with God an find out that He is enough. And then someday the drought will end. Yes, it will end. Be blessed.
I absolutely LOVE this verse in Jeremiah. It’s been my prayer for years! “Lord, please make me like a tree planted b the water…”. Thank you for reminding us all that even in drought we can be nourished and sustained. Grateful for your encouragement 🙂
God is good. I got this email days ago but didn’t read it till today. And today started exactly as this blog began. In a particularly low place this morning, God reminded me of Ps 40:1-3. It was a passage He had used mightily in my life over 15 years ago. I read it again this morning and noticed something new… the beginning of Ps 40 speaks of how God was hugely faithful and the REST of Ps 40 is the psalmist asking God to do the same thing again. The writer was once again in need of rescue. I had never paid attention to the rest of Ps 40! My knee-jerk reaction is to want to lean on friends for support, but during that fresh read of Ps 40 God invited me to turn to Him and Him alone. This blog only confirms that same message. I have to get to work, but I have tucked this turmoil into my heart and will unpack it later with Him. Thank you, Alicia! God used your words so beautifully to speak to me.
Jen, I love it when God meets us on the pages of His word, and ESPECIALLY when he takes a passage we know so well and makes it fresh and new again. I am soaking in your Psalm 40 revelation today. So beautiful! May you continue to feel seen and sustained by God as you turn to Him with “the turmoil in your heart.” I’m always grateful you take time to read my scribbles. Thanks for sharing your beautiful Ps 40 insight with all of us today.
God is good. I got this email days ago but didn’t read it till today. And today started exactly as this blog began. In a particularly low place this morning, God reminded me of Ps 40:1-3. It was a passage He had used mightily in my life over 15 years ago. I read it again this morning and noticed something new… the beginning of Ps 40 speaks of how God was hugely faithful and the REST of Ps 40 is the psalmist asking God to do the same thing again. The writer was once again in need of rescue. I had never paid attention to the rest of Ps 40! My knee-jerk reaction is to want to lean on friends for support, but during that fresh read of Ps 40 God invited me to turn to Him and Him alone. This blog only confirms that same message. I have to get to work, but I have tucked this turmoil into my heart and will unpack it later with Him. Thank you, Alicia! God used your words so beautifully to speak to me.
I have been feeling a cavernous void between me and God lately. It’s been months now. I’m doing the right things if I go by the check boxes. Pray – check, Read Bible – check, Fellowship with believers – check, Attend church and Sunday school and Bible study – check check check
I don’t know what the answer is but my faith is not shaken and my trust is strong. I know I’m seen by God.
I know there’s an answer because I don’t think God wants me to feel distant from him even though how I feel doesn’t affect my salvation.
I once heard a quote that went something like, “When God is most / seems the most silent is when He is at work the most…” meaning God is often working behind the scenes the most when we least feel His presence. Definitely not saying that is how He works all the time, but perhaps something is only in the works for you, my friend! 💗
I know well that “cavernous void” you’re talking about, Jane. And I’m awed by your steadfastness as you continue to pursue God despite the distance you’re feeling. I know that’s hard. I’m so glad that our feelings aren’t the hinge upon which our faith swings. Praying for you now—asking God to bridge that gap and give you a refreshing glimpse of His pursuit of you in this stretch of your journey. Thanks for taking time to share a little sliver of your journey with us here.