“I cried out to God
for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the
Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be
comforted.” –Psalm 77:1-2
One year and nine months. I have suffered more than I can
adequately articulate. My heart has been shattered countless times. My tears
could have filled an ocean. Suffering?—it has become an old associate, one
whom I am ready to abandon. I have been intimately acquainted with despair.
Like the psalmist, I have stretched out my hands at night, waiting for comfort
that constantly eluded me.
Yet God has brought me through the storm. He has lifted me
out of the darkness where my memories tormented my soul and filled my heart
with hopelessness. God has pried the fingers from my throat that threatened to
snatch away my life. He has given me shelter and satiated my whole being with
peace. He has sat quietly by my bedside as I sobbed through the nights, waiting
for the morning light to bring reprieve. God has been by my side through every
tear, every fear, and has loved me through it all. I am His—completely and
continually.
There may still be valleys that I must voyage through, and
misery may accompany me through them. However, I will never be alone and
eventually the gloom of grief will be completely overcome by God’s glorious
love. You see, I am not forgotten.