When Sorrow Finds Its Refuge
Well now, mercy me and give me another glass of that there lemonade on the table over there while you’re up, friend. Now, come right on up here and settle yourself down real good on this ol’ front porch like you’re bein’ sho’-nuff’ welcomed into a big ol’ country shindig where the breeze carries the smell of hot kettle corn and the boards creak out a real friendly how‑are‑ya-doin’. Land sakes, I’m awful happy you made it over here for a lil’ ol’ visit. If you were any more welcome, that hefty hog over there that waddles around like it’s plum wantin’ to be runnin’ the whole operation would march right over and offer you the brightest corncob it’s been guardin’ from every critter in the barnyard. So, hurry up and get yourself good and comfortable, friend, because we’re about to head straight on into a truth sturdier than a because we’re about to go right on into a truth sturdier than a boulder sittin’ in the pasture that has been there since your granddaddy’s granddaddy and still refuses to budge.
Scripture says “Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). Hannah understood this long before we ever did. Her sorrow didn’t git to pushin’ her away from God. It plum pushed her right toward Him. She poured out her heart because she knew the Lord was the only One who could carry what she couldn’t.
Sometimes bitter circumstances make us want to hide from God. But friend, that there’s like avoidin’ the only well in town when you’re mighty thirsty. Prayer ain’t just talkin’. It’s downright trustin’. It’s plum leanin’ into the One who already knows the ache. The Lord deepens this truth with a verse that says, “The Lord is near to all that call upon Him” (Psalm 145:18). Near. Not distant. Not reluctant. Near.
Hannah prayed with a broken heart, but she prayed. She didn’t run away from God. She plum ran to Him. And that’s where her strength came from. Prayer rooted in trust becomes prayer that changes things, especially the heart that prays it.
Father, thank You for invitin’ me to pour out my heart. Help me trust You when life feels heavy. Draw me close and steady my spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well alright then, before them lil’ ol’ fireflies start to flickerin’ and distract us both, let me wrap this up with a few lil’ ol’ send-foo thoughts, friend. You gotta be lettin’ the Lord steady your day with the calm confidence of a big ol’ elk standin’ proud in a meadow like it knows exactly who made it. Let His peace settle over you like the hush that drifts across a cornfield when the cicadas finally quiet down. And may His joy git to risin’ in you with the bright sparkle of a ili’ dragonfly catchin’ its first shimmer of sunlight. Wherever your day carries you, let His goodness guide your steps like a steady ol’ draft horse ploddin’ toward the barn at dusk knowin’ supper is waitin’ and it earned every bite. Go on now, friend, and trust Him with your whole heart.
With joy,
Gwen
