I remember our family vacations spent at a resort at the Lake of the Ozarks when I was a kid. The weather was warm, the scenery quiet, and the lake held calm waters where we enjoyed fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Each year we anticipated the rejuvenating restfulness that occurred with a week away together. The time spent at Bull Shoals was healing and helpful in dealing with our lives throughout the rest of the year.

What helps you deal with life and your journey? Is there a place to which you retreat that brings healing and hope? Perhaps you too have a favorite family vacation spot. Maybe you find your relaxing haven in a special coffee shop or as close as a quiet corner of your home.

Wherever you make your special place of rest and ‘calm waters,’ adding the balm of scripture will enhance your healing. There is much comfort to be found in the pages of God’s Word. While you do your best to provide your own respite, do not overlook adding the messages available to you in the Bible.

The first and last verses of Psalm 42 paint a beautiful word picture.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

Psalm 42:1 (NIV)

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 (NIV)

That thirsty deer knows where to go for relief and filling. Just as the cool, calm waters provide refreshment and restores strength for this lovely animal, you too can find restoration for your heart and soul as you turn to God.

Grief does things to the human mind. It can harden you, causing you to push away from the very One who can help. Casting blame upon God happens when things fail to make sense on the journey of grief. When you find yourself reacting in this manner, choose the calm waters of His peace instead. Trust the faithfulness you have heard of and witnessed in the past. Make the decision to praise Him in spite of your circumstances.

Questioning your journey is not unusual. But then, who wants to settle for the ordinary? Go one step beyond, search for, and find the calm waters that God wants to provide for your grief journey. May you find healing, peace, and hope as you choose to embrace the positives of life that are all around.

Until next time –

Karen

Grief Letters By Karen Bransgrove, Published by WestBow Press. You can order here.

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 114 pages | ISBN 9781490869674

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 114 pages | ISBN 9781490869667

E-Book | 114 pages | ISBN 9781490869650

Also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.