Ever felt incomplete, that something has gone missing? We often go through difficult experiences, which make us feel crushed or bereft, that something has changed, and the world can never be the same again.
I took a photo of this flower, because it was growing through a crack in the concrete. I was amazed that it was there at all, as there was only a tiny gap. It must have been so strong to push through, and then to have nutrients to grow. It was imperfect, a bit bedraggled, without some of its petals, yet in the warmth of the sunshine, there it was.
In life, we can have mixed fortunes, times of blessing, and times of trial. We have questions when things go wrong, and wonder where God could possibly be? Can God really be good, and loving and powerful, when life can be cruel and disappointing? There is so much wrong in the world, conflict and war, hunger and poverty, abuse and exploitation- things that diminish and destroy.
When I look to Jesus’ words and life, death and resurrection, I see the fullness of the very nature of God. When people opposed him, and mocked him, and beat him, His light and dignity and love remained constant, and He did not change when under pressure. He stands in solidarity with those who are exploited or in pain or who feel bereft and hurting. God has given the human race freedom of choice, but how He must grieve over our pride and selfishness, our inhumanity and callous disregard for others.
And so we pray for all who feel broken or disheartened by life, who lament for things left behind, for things no longer as they were. We can feel incomplete and injured.
Yet I remember a verse from Philippians 1: 9 which is so encouraging: And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more, in knowledge and depth of insight”
Even when we are hurting and damaged, I pray that God’s love might be poured out into our lives, and refresh us like rain does a wilted plant, that we grow in our faith, in knowledge and with depth of insight. May we blossom, even in the most unexpected places. May obstacles become our teachers, so our roots might grow deeper in the love of God.
Creator God, the One who delights to bring about growth and new life, send refreshing and healing rain from heaven, which lifts up the bowed down, restores the broken, and enables new life for the weary. Lord Jesus, when we feel damaged and incomplete, remind us that You understand, and look upon us with tender mercy. Holy spirit, forgive our many failings, bring light into the darkest of places, cleanse our wounds and revive our souls, nurture all that is wholesome. May the light of your love, enable us to be open to learning, and to experience more of your grace, Amen
An umbrella of healing love 