WHEN MY HEART FEELS HEAVY

This post was written for Five Minute Friday

Word prompt--HEAVY

Five minutes to free write about it

------------------------------------------------------------

My heart feels heavy over the unspeakable violence and destruction taking place in Ukraine, the targeting of civilians and evacuees, the killing of innocents.

My heart feels heavy over the cruelty, hatred, and evil that seems to be overtaking more and more of our broken world.

When my heart feels heavy, I need to remind myself that God is in control, and that all these things now happening have already been written in His Book, as has the ending of the story. None of it should take us by surprise.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NLT)

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28 ESV)

I was contemplating this when I literally did look up and noticed something I'd never seen before on the dracaena(?) plant I've owned for well over 20 years. Pairs of leaves coming together so that their tips touch to form what look like giant hugs.

-------------------------------------------------

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18 NLT)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Romans 8:35 NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6 NLT)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2 ESV)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 BSB)

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:78 BSB)

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 NLT)