Quiet Moment
January 6, 2012 
The above picture is one of my favorites. I tend to gravitate toward it when I'm feeling a bit beaten down and contemplative.
I don't name all my pictures, per se, but this one happens to be saved in my computer as 'Quiet Moment'.
This is kind of where I'm at, at the moment... Much to think about, not much to say. Quiet.
I'd like to tell you the new year started out on a good note, but the past week brought some bad news, which has seemed to overshadow the bright spots... We learned that a friend of ours in Colorado committed suicide over the weekend. It was the man who we had given one of our dogs, Lola.
On one hand, the situation was almost understandable (if you can call it that)... He had had a neck/back injury years back, and lived with constant pain. Even though when we still were living in Colorado, he seemed to be doing well, I know he struggled with it daily.
On the other hand, it just kind of leaves us speechless, only asking God, "Why?"
So many why's in a situation like this.
The good news is, we know he loved the Lord.
Suicide is always the big 'question mark' when it comes to heavenly hopes. Growing up, somewhere along the line I was taught that people who committed suicide did not go to heaven. Now, as an adult who has grown in faith and knowledge of God's ways, I don't believe that anymore. I can't. I have to believe that my God -- the God of love and mercy -- works good for those who love Him, even in a situation as incomprehensible as suicide. We don't know what someone goes through on the path down that road, but God does.
So, this is where we've been, emotionally, the last few days. On the outside... Going through the motions of our 'regular' work week. On the inside... It's been a little rough.
Is it just me, or can you sense what a tough time of year this is for people? Somewhere I've heard this is the worst time of year for depression. Mr. Blue Eyes and I always try to joke about it a little, as the poor guy's birthday falls smack dab during this time of year. But, all joking aside, we've been trying to stay firm in God's word to get us through. The other evening I sat down and wrote out some verses that I could lean on, and I wanted to share them with you...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillippians 4:6-7
...love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness... Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Matthew 6:33
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends His love and His faithfulness. Psalm 57:1-3
No matter where you're at... having a blissfully wonderful new year (I hope you are!) or struggling in some way... I pray you'll be able to take these verses to feel and share God's unfailing love.
Reader Comments (2)
So sorry to hear about your friend, and thoughts and prayers go to you and to his family. We have lost 2 friends through suicide and it is truly devastating for those left behind wondering why?
Hoping that 2012 turns around and proves to be a good year for you and the family x
That is so heartbreaking. I hope that the family will find a measure of peace and comfort as time goes buy.
I don't believe that God condemns those who taken their own lives. I believe he knows that soul and loves them deeply.