The Boundless Sea
Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb.—Job 38:8 (ESV)
. . . pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.—PSALM 62:8 [NIV]
Yesterday, I had worked with Susan, a hospice patient, in my role as a therapeutic musician. Her husband, who never left her side, was angry and confrontational. “I don’t like that song. Play something else,” he said harshly. Then, “I don’t like that song either.” Nothing I said or did or played on my guitar pleased him. Susan became frustrated in the process, and I left feeling discouraged. I dreaded going back today.
As I sipped my coffee, I wrote in my journal about the stress of yesterday’s encounter. God, I need courage and guidance. I’m scared. I’m frustrated. I’m angry. I don’t know if I’m the right person to help this couple. I’m not even sure I can do this job anymore.
Writing in my journal has always helped me clarify my thoughts and better cope with my frustrations and fears as I work with the sick and dying. And what I’ve come to realize is that at least for me, journaling is just another way of praying.
I wrote two full pages that morning, pouring out my heart to God, putting all my confusion, anxieties, and feelings down on the page before Him. Finally, I closed my journal, then sat in silence for a few minutes. I was ready to face the day, with a heart more at peace.
God, thank you for giving us resources to help us cope with our emotions and stress as we care for others.
Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb.—Job 38:8 (ESV)
Hezekiah had very great wealth and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver and gold and for his precious stones, spices, shields and all kinds of valuables.—2 Chronicles 32:27 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will
eat; or about your body, what you will wear.”—Luke 12:22 (NIV)