A Hushed Place to Unfurl

War weary hearts need a hushed place to unfurl from the self-preserving fetal position, away from the battle.

Long seasons on the front line brutalize. Extended stays in foxholes traumatize. We need seasons of rest and refreshment. And thus, I pray. For you. For me.

Familiar thoughts?
I can't do this another day
I'm exhausted- I don't want to fight anymore
This is too much to bear

Yes? And thus, I pray- Refresh Lord...
Feverish foreheads adorned with a chilled rag
Tippy-toes dunked in a brisk mountain brook
Deeply filled lungs expanded with spring breezes

I wonder, friend, what would a snapshot of your soul tell? A thousand words of rest comfort peace trust security? A thousand words of doubt fear loneliness angst pain? Are you breathing deep, drinking long? Or are you huddled, ducking your trembling head between knees as flaming arrows scathe your back, simply longing for an escape from the fight?

Has this become your battle hymn; your war cry?

Oh that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest. {Psalm 55:6-8}

Loneliness volleys to isolate and hold us captive in the battle, feeding us dehydrating scraps of lies

God is not big enough
I'm Abandoned
Rejected
Alone

Oh, but Love. Love rescues the cries, cradles the tears and refutes the lies. Love will not betray, dismay, or enslave you. It will set you free. {Mumford and Sons, Sigh No More}

Battle for thoughts gets dirty. There is a "no holds bars" policy with the enemy. That's why we must know that

Loneliness is not a time of abandonment…it just feels that way. It’s actually a time of encounter at new levels with the only One who can fill that empty place in our hearts.
Tim Hansel, Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

Poisons require antidotes. Wounds require balm. Freedom requires a victor.

Even the darkest night is chased by the dawn. Friend, refreshment is yours. A spacious place for you to stretch is found only one place: the presence of the Lord. Sing a new battle hymn to Him who says

I give abundant showers
I refresh My weary inheritance
Jeremiah 31:25

I bring you out into a spacious place; I rescue you because you delight in Me
Psalm 18:19

fear not; you are mine
when you pass through the waters, I will be with you
when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you
when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned
for I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior
since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you
do not be afraid, for I am with you
Isaiah 43

Mindful prayers are the most, not the least we can do. Shall we join ranks with the Lord and lift each other up in prayer? I would be honored if you leave your prayer request for us to pray over (it's ok if it's not about loneliness). And will you please pray for me? We're in this together!

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We're jumping off negative train of thoughts! Join us {here}!