Shall Rejoice: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Shall Rejoice

                                    Shall rejoice

                                    even when tears

                                    overflow as past

                                    and present

                                    separate

                                    choosing to let go

                                    false plans

                                    deadly roads

                                    grateful for rescue

                                    a true perspective

                                    opening dance of life

                                    again a gift

                                    even when tears flow we

                                    shall rejoice.

                       

Romans 8:13, “For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Reflection: Dance: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection:

1.     In what ways have you experienced a loss that turned out to be a blessing?

2.     What enabled you to get through the storm if you were blinded by it?

3.     How did you recognize God’s grace?

4.     Too often well meaning words can create more separation. What do you now avoid saying to others in a season of mourning.

5.     How can you share with others to give them courage in loss with compassion and understanding?

Dance: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

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Jeremiah 31:13, “Then the virgin shall rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.”

Shall rejoice.

There are so many seasons when we wonder if the pain, the loss, and the tears will ever end. Sometimes the grief and loss wrap us up in its shroud so tightly that even when new seeds of hope begin to sprout we are unable step forward. Or recognize a new path.

Shall dance?

Not even on our radar. Our perspective has become so darkened that all our strength is sapped and there is no energy left to perceive the comfort that will renew our steps.

Mourning into joy.

In His strength and perspective the Lord will gently guide us through all the sorrow to a place of joy and expectancy once again. Not in our ability to move forward but in His. Only He can enable us to discern where we have substituted false purposes in order to survive loss instead of leaning into His redemptive healing and love.

Will comfort them.

Lord, please help us to recognize, accept, let go of sorrow, and agree to die to all that has ended when it is time for new beginnings. And then step forward in faith and dance, when it is time to leave the mourning season behind.

Your thoughts,