We're Never Abandoned

Many are His thoughts towards us.

I love the picture of the verse that talks about Jesus on the cross - "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross." Jesus was able to endure such agony because His mind was set on us, we are that great joy that was set before Him. He finds great delight in us still today. His hands are still outstretched leading us.

When I was in the hospital after having my son, I was incredibly sick. My time I got to speak with loved ones very limited, I had not seen my brand new baby boy that I labored so hard for or my sweet husband in days. Parts of my mind foggy and full of panic, it felt like weeks had gone by but I had a hope I could cling to, and this hope was secure. Because I knew this place, this place I could go where there was no fear, I could find comfort and direction, a way of escape.

Were the days and nights long? They could be. Was it a fight? 100% Did I have to go to war? Yes, repeatedly. And I did. The love, mine for my family, the love they reminded me they had for me, and Jesus' love for me - fueled me.

In the section with me was was this sweet older man with the kindest eyes who smelled like wisdom. He would stop to encourage and read to me every change he got. He could shoot the most serious look like "Don't you dare" anytime someone extended an invitation to complain or join in hospital drama. I walked the hallways to exercise my mind, my body, my prayers, rants, frustrations. I dove into any of the break times and activities, writing, reading, singing. I engaged in any amount of positive conversation I could find with any of the other residents of the hospital.

This hope produced perseverance in me. A joy. A faith. A strength. Often times through tears, anger, but I did not have to doubt or believe any lie that would try and steal the promise of finding healing or being reunited with my family. That faith showed up in front of doctors, nurses, staff and it would be tested, questioned, but I had already decided before I was rolled in off of the ambulance that me and Jesus, we were going to keep creating life, even in this very dark place. That choice literally saved me.

Every time I set my gaze towards Him, I always found His eyes locked in my direction.

When we trust God's promise to be our strength, we can find comfort to ackowledge our weaknesses. He is everything we need. He will always point us to where we can find Joy.

“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God." - Isaiah 41:10