As we anticipate and celebrate a God that breaks into our world, a God that draws us near, and draws near to us, “Where has God come near you?”
Saturday, December 05, 2020


Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Psalm 71:20

The wind began whipping up in the small hours after midnight and the rain poured down on the roof. Sunrise brought less light than usual as the storm continued all morning. 
My friend Amber had died a few days before Tropical Storm Zeta blew through Atlanta leaving destruction in its wake. In those first few days after Amber’s death, I confronted the normal feelings of a surprise loss: shock, disbelief, confusion, and that sad, eerie quiet that follows the last flurry of medical activity.

Then came Zeta. By afternoon, the rain and dark clouds gave way to a bright blue sky. What had been chaotic was now tranquil. I could breathe and feel God’s peace run through my body like a wave. It was a reassuring calm after months of uncertainty. It is a peace that has not left me even as I mourn. 

In no way am I suggesting that God whipped up a hurricane just to give me a sign of restoration. Instead, I believe that God uses moments to reveal his presence to us and surround us with his peace.

As I sat still soaking up that serene feeling of peace, a smile came across my face and I laughed out loud. Amber and I shared a great love of words, grammar, and punctuation. I thought about her name starting with an “A” and the event after her death beginning with a “Z”. Clever bookends for her life and faith and our friendship as sisters in Christ Jesus. 

God, we thank you for never abandoning us in the midst of trouble. Give us the strength and faithfulness to find your offers of peace even in the midst of great despair, loneliness, or sorrow. We are grateful for the many times that you have restored us after great loss. Amen.

Mary Howle