For those who love someone who is on the road to destruction/suffering

 When our son was in the thick of his battle with addiction, I was confronted by my tendency to pray in worry form. I would tell myself I was praying for my boy, but I wasn’t. I was worrying while speaking to God in circles. One does not need someone to be struggling with addictions to have experienced this, you just need someone you love and are helpless to deliver from what is tormenting them.

 I was reading this evening from Isaiah 41:10 “ Fear not, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, For I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “

As I read this a sigh of relief washes over me, but I am on the other side of that horrific battle. Yet, let me tell you, I have a default to worry and do it sometimes while I pray. We need this reminder again and again. God’s call to us to not give into that gripping fear simply because the One who is big enough for the present struggle that is gripping your heart, is present. He promises us that He will not stand idly by but rather, He promises to give us the needed strength. Fear, true fear drains us. Strength is needed and all the positive thinking of this world is not going to cut it. We need a source that is outside of ourselves, and it must be bigger and able to tinker in our hearts in ways that are beyond us or anyone we know.

 Not only is strength offered but help. Perhaps it will come in the form of wisdom to see a pathway through. God is creative and knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I have never found God early in His help, but He is not late.

 God has very large hands, and He promises to hold us up, through the storm. That is a very inviting promise and one I receive today in Jesus’ Name, and I encourage you too as well.

 We do not walk through the valleys of this life alone. He is with us and has important promises He wants us to receive. As we receive this, we are finally able to truly pray and leave these heavy heart burdens at God’s throne. Then, give thanks as now we are able to receive the peace that comes when we acknowledge really who God is and how much He cares for us and our loved ones, whatever they are going through.

"Chains" By Michael Dyck

Chains, we don't see them hanging off our soul, but we do see evidence of them. Chains come several varied in the forms; unforgiveness, greed, addiction, the list, long and varied.

My son Michael sent me a beautiful poem he wrote to today reflecting on chains and where in this world we can find freedom from them.

Chains

Chains, chains I find myself bound.

I have walked down a path where there’s no way I could be found.

I am surrounded by lies where freedom is hidden in disguise.

So my heart cries as it’s tried to find the prize but left empty handed.

  Because I looked not to the heavens but to the earth and its sky.

 Oh chains, chains, you hold me from freedom.

I looked to the world for answers and what I walked away with has acted more like cancer

 It started with a taste of what they claimed was freedom,

   Now my life is surrounded with voices, I can’t silence the demons.

  So it’s for this reason I am calling out the world of the highest level of treason.

You have stolen my freedom!

 So now I turn my head from this world’s wisdom and look upon a different kingdom.

There’s a God who says “Come to me and I will make you without blemish or stains,

Bring your burdens, your disgrace and the things keeps you shackled and I will break your chains.”

He tells me to lift my head because I now have a reason, call on my name and I will silence all the demons.

Come to me child and I will give you your freedom.

 By Michael Abram Dyck,  June 2017