Hear My Cry, O Lord -- Be My Refuge in Times of Sadness

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalm 61:1-4.


This past week was a tough one for our Burt church family, as we lost our Trustee, member and friend Kent Habeger, who went home to be with the Lord last Monday after a tragic farming accident. Kent was just 50, and his leaving is a huge blow for his dear wife Marti, and his sons Ryan and Mitchell, and the whole Habeger and Noll (Marti's maiden name) families, our church family, the national show cattle family which Kent and his family were a key part of, and our Burt and Kossuth County community.

Thanks to all those who have reached out to help the family with prayers and visits and food and gifts. Keep praying for them in the coming days, weeks and months as they carry on. Our love is a tangible reminder of God's love, because He makes our love possible.

Many of us cried out to God for help when we heard this hard news. I was in Mason City visiting folks at the hospital when it I was called. I cried out to God. Thank God He is a strong tower of refuge. He sends the Holy Spirit to comfort us.

Though Christmas is a wonderful time of year, sometimes it makes our losses seem greater as we remember our departed loved ones. Many folks feel that loneliness and depressionm in this time, missing the ones wo have gone on to be with the Lord. Some might even start wondering if God cares about them. Let them know someone cares, and that God cares.

We are coming to the season of the year with colder temperatures and we don’t get out as much, days grow shorter, we get less sunshine, and it is easy for depression to get hold of many of us. A great number of people who have to deal with these difficult emotions. As Christmas draws near, we should also remind ourselves that the holidays can be difficult for many people. It is a time when they are reminded of the loss of loved ones, and loneliness can grow stronger. We need to remember the promises of our faith.

Jesus loves me, is a simple little song you probably learned many years ago. It is very simple, yet so powerfully profound, that one statement grounds me in the truth of who God says I am. Friends can’t make you feel accepted all the time. Accomplishments will never truly make you feel secure. Having lots of people around you does not mean you won’t ever feel lonely. So, turn to the One who is Everlasting, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel- God with us. Draw close to Him so you can separate solid truth from shifting emotion.

We are dearly loved by God. His love enables us to display compassion, kindness and patience even when we don’t feel like it. Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (NIV)

God is with us. As we cry out to Him, we are reminded of His help, of His deep love for us. And we are reminded that we are to represent His love in our dealings with those He has led us to know.