When You Can't Fix It

I could feel a sense of urgency building inside me all day long, and I didn’t know why. When I got home, I laced up my tennis shoes and headed outside, hoping for some clarity. I took some deep breaths and prayed as my feet hit the pavement, “What’s going on inside me today, Lord?” 

The first thing that came to mind was a dear friend, who was stranded smack dab in the middle of a crazy hard season. I couldn’t imagine what she was dealing with. Every time I thought about it, that same sense of urgency returned. I needed to DO something! The problem was, I had already done all the things I knew to do. Turns out, there are some problems in life that can’t be solved with cookies, cupcakes, and promises of, “Whatever you need… I’m there.” Don't get me wrong, I know that's part of how God prompts us to love each other. But in the end, they can’t really “fix” the problem itself. 

I took another deep breath of fresh air and let that thought roll around in my head, “I can’t fix this.”
If I’m honest, I kind of hate that. When people I love are hurting, I want to make the hurt stop. Immediately. If not sooner. But that’s not actually what God is asking me to do.  

That truth came into focus as I read these words from Psalm 62 this week. 

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge to us.
Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)

What I need, and what my friend needs most in desperate places? Can only come from God. 
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence."

Thank goodness it doesn’t say, “For Kara alone.” THAT would be an epic letdown. So I take another deep breath, and remind myself again, “I can’t fix this. Only you can.” 

But there is something I can do. 

Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge to us. 

I can choose to trust that He loves you more than I do, so He will take care of you. Better than I can.  

I can pour out my heart before Him, every time I think of you. 

I can choose to hold your hand, as we shelter together in the only safe place. 

He’s got you, friend. And I’ve got your back… and a few cookies. Just in case. 

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash.