The Bridge

November 14, 2020

The iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge sits majestically between the Sydney City Business district and the North Shore. My great-grandfather helped build what they call the 'Coat Hanger.' It is not a very pretty nickname when you think about it, but I love to look at this bridge! I admire its strength, its beauty, and its promise. It promises to help you get across deep waters safely to the other side.

When I look carefully at my life's journey, I can see where God made a bridge from my past pain to His promise of tomorrow. His promises have been the bridge I needed to safely cross the most difficult times in my life. But I had to trust Him first. Trust says, 'Yes, Lord, I know you are there, and I can't see what is in front, but I know I don't want to stay where I am.'

In Psalm 34:17-18, the Lord promises that if we cry out to him, he will hear us. He will not only hear us but deliver us from our troubles'.

In verse 18, He tells us that he 'is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.'

I was crushed in spirit in 2008. My marriage ended, and we were in the midst of the worst financial crisis of my lifetime. Each day's demands were weighing heavy, and I did my best to lean into God's word for support. Daily devotions equipped me for the day, but I still cried out as nightfall came. Now I can see that only after I began to trust Him and believe His promises did I see a bridge from my troubles to the other side. Acting on my faith in Him every day got me across the bridge. That meant quiet moments of prayer and vigilance with my thoughts. I kept scripture on little note cards in my purse, on sticky notes that I attached to almost anything I could find. These little reminders were scattered throughout my day, giving me His peace and comfort to continue on my walk across the bridge.

The bridge of 2008 is not the last one that I have navigated. There have been a few more, but I lean into God and all that he promises with each one. Today, I know deep in my heart that there is so much beauty in the bridge.

I pray that this post encourages you on your faith journey.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you hear our cries and catch all our tears. We would be lost without you. Please help us to see your hand in daily life. Help us to see the bridge between our pain and the joy waiting on the other side. Thank you for your love and grace that abounds in our lives..

In Christ‘s Name, Amen.