What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13.

The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love. Psalm 33:18.

I loved this today from You Are The Beloved by Henri Nouwen: “Our society thinks economically: “How much love do I give to God, how much to my neighbor, and how much to myself?” But God says, “Give all your love to Me, and I will give to you, your neighbor, and yourself.” And when our lives are shattered and torn asunder, remember God’s love that will never abandon us. He is the One who will walk through the pain with you and be your anchor. And in our chapter, Isaiah 62, Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit, talks about the restoration of Jerusalem; not the Jerusalem of today torn apart by the will of men, but the Jerusalem where our God is. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. v. 1-5. And if our God will do that for Jerusalem, imagine how our restoration will be! The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.’” They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. v. 11-12.

When what we have held onto is no more, we feel deserted, desolate, confused and lost as to where to turn. It’s then we need God more than ever. His faithful love brings healing to our hearts bruised and bleeding pain. We aren’t deserted or desolate because we are loved by our God of immeasurable love and He brings hope with His love always for us. Healing takes time and He walks through all of it with us. Turn to Him. Give Him your pain. He will be with you always bringing comfort and understanding that you are loved and not abandoned ever. And choose the kind of life God longs to bring. A life of community where God is loved and needed and His love is shared for hearts broken and torn asunder. His love shared with others brings healing and hope to us. How? By realizing we are not alone in our pain. The love of others gives us strength. The rich economy of God’s love for us in Him for all time.