The Flame Within

Walking at the beach this afternoon and noticing my spirit feeling down. In fact, I’ve observed this in my spirit the past several days. I’ve noticed its presence, but have found it difficult to place my finger on the exact cause;

Could it be discouragement from being sick for several week’s? Having a sick teenager, who doesn’t like to rest? Could it be the current political tension and fears in our world? Could it be a good friend’s daughter has been in the ICU? Could it be that Hurricane Helene has caused mass levels of pain, distraction, and suffering? Could it be I miss my oldest child, as this is the longest I’ve not seen him in over 22 years? Could it be work and I feel I’ve not been able to accomplish the goals I’ve set before myself and feel like I don’t have the energy or time to do so? Could it be I’m still very much grieving; Loss of my mother, my dear friend Barbara, and my sweet uncle all since June, 2024.

Well… It’s probably “all of the above”.

Writing our struggles out in some form helps us better see, process, and make sense of our inner battle. This is a tactic I assign to clients on a regular basis.

Life is hard and trials come one after another and oftentimes at expedited rates; causing our spirits to struggle to keep up. Reminds me of a profound trust Jesus reminded us when “he too” walked the same earth and endured the same heartaches as each one of us. “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Friends, life is hard and it is okay to have a down day, even several down days. It’s okay to feel sad. It’s even okay to feel anxiety and fear; after all Jesus himself endured all these emotions. Thakfully, he modeled for us what to do when we are struggling with life’s heart aches? He taught us to run to the Father in prayer; to run to God with our honest hurts, fears, and pain. He taught us how to run to our very own garden of Gethsemane; our closets, the woods, walk in our neighborhood, our offices, living rooms, and for me lately it’s been the beach.

Friends, It’s in our own garden of Gethsemane we find God’s all surpassing peace, strength, and comfort. This is where we find our courage to face the next battle or trial on the journey of life. I am thankful that I’ve learned that Jesus is always there to quiet my weary soul and lift my spirit to the “only hope” on this planet.

What about you? Are you feeling worried? Anxious? Sad? Discouraged? Where is your Garden of Gethsemane? Have you taken time to visit with God in the garden? This is your invitation to seek God and he will be near to you… He will turn his face toward you.

As I write this, a hymn is playing in my heart and soul… “In The Garden”. Here’s the lyrics and a link to one of my favorite versions.

In The Garden

1 I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
2 He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]
3 I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

I pray you make time to visit with God in your special and very own Garden.

Blessings, Crystal