FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

The authorship and origin of this beautiful poignant poem is disputed but it has been such an encouragement to many people, myself included, over the years.

It details a dream where a person sees two sets of footprints in the sand representing their life journey alongside Jesus. Then there are only one set of footprints at a time of hardship. When asked why, the LORD replied, "My child, it was when I carried you."

Grief is one of the hardest journeys we may ever walk. It comes in waves. Sometimes gentle, sometimes overwhelming, and often leaves us feeling empty, alone and in despair during the hardest times of our lives. Those times are painful.

The isolation of grief, sadness, depression, despair or anxiety is a familiar feeling. It can feel that God has abandoned us. We are not promised a life without hurt; at least not in this one. But we are promised that God, who is near to us, comforts us today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives. In our sorrow, God promises to be near. He understands our pain and He offers us comfort in His word.

Psalm 34:18 reassures us:

"The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

In our sorrow, Jesus beckons:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Jesus sits where it hurts. He lets the silence stretch, the tears fall, He lets grief speak in its native language - groans, sobs and wordless prayers. He lets grief be grief.

Only nail-scarred hands that understand loss, only a Saviour acquainted with grief, can understand. We don't need to have all the answers. We simply rest in His presence. And somehow, without denying the pain, without rushing the process, His nearness becomes the beginning of healing. Not because the hurt is less, but because we are no longer alone inside it.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:3, called God:

"The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. "

We don't have a God who is distant. We have one who is close, active in love, compassionate, and perfect in comfort.

This reality should give us real, solid hope. After all, God is unchanging and He has told us he will never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

How wonderful is that!

God bless