As we lie awake in the dark

— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —

It’s one thing to be at peace when you reach that serene mountain plateau (or alm) as we did on more than one hike during a recent trip to the stunning Dolomites, however, a close family friend amazed me during a few encounters at my parents’ house in Jerusalem, during a period when she didn’t know if her daughter was dead or alive. All she knew was that her daughter had travelled across the world and had disappeared somewhere in India. Faced with similar circumstances, I could only imagine how I would have reacted – probably with a good deal of anxiety, a lot of insomnia, plus just plain worry. Yet I knew that as a believer this should not be the default mode.

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

So I posed the question to our family friend as I wanted so much to know her secret. I was intrigued by her tranquillity despite the circumstances; you could see that her heart was breaking, yet she radiated peace. When I am blown over by the storms of life, when my world falls apart because of the hardships/setbacks/seemingly insurmountable problems a loved one is facing, or when a situation never seems to improve – how can we hold onto our peace?

My friend in Jerusalem told me that above all she had learned about the heart of Jesus and how he comes alongside those who are hurting. She wrote that she had learned so much about His heart for those who are broken, who feel at the end of the road. Not only that He understands, but how much He cares and loves us and identifies with what we are going through. In the solace, her trust increased and peace rose above the turmoil and uncertainty.

Gently Your voice like a calming embrace
Calls me from out of the noise
You whisper to me, “Child, forget not your dreams”
As we lie awake in the dark
Just don’t lose heart

He’s got your hand
Don’t lose heart, child
He knows your name
And when everything is falling apart
Don’t lose heart

Water and Dust by Cory Asbury

Dear Lord,

Increase our trust when we are buffeted by the storms of life. Help us to remember that you love us and care deeply about the storms we are facing in our lives.

 In Jesus name, Amen

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The ACF Midweek Meditations
are written by a diverse group of our church members with the intention to seek God’s fingerprints in our lives. They range from somber to humorous and are inspired by all facets of live and faith. Written by ordinary people from all walks of life, they reflect a wide range of Christian backgrounds and spiritualities.

Each week’s text portrays the individual viewpoint of its author. They might not always resonate with everyone, and are not meant to be understood as representing the Anglican Church Freiburg as a whole. Yet, as a church that is aiming to ‘Build a Community of Grace’ we seek to practice learning from and listening to one another.

We pray that these humble ponderings add a small spark of blessing to your week.

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