The holidays are difficult for many–loved ones no longer around the table, broken relationships, family drama, even loneliness. It is easy to ask, “God, where are You?”
But what if God is the one doing the asking? “Heidi, where are You?” Psalm 34:18 tells us where God truly is:
God is near to the brokenhearted.
When your heartache is so deep it feels physical, it’s time to breathe. You may have heard of this technique: take a deep breath in through your nose, pulling the air in deeply for as long as you can. Then, purse your lips, making a small opening, and release the air slowly. Concentrate on pushing the air out through the small hole. YOU are in control of the airflow.
Take a moment and do it now. Put your hand in front of your lips and feel the air escaping.
Make the action tangible.
I’m sure there are some studies on why this works, but I’m a simple girl and don’t always need the data behind the “why.” I just like knowing I have control over a minuscule thing at one particular moment in time. Breathing this way helps ground me when things feel out of control…
… or when God does not feel near.
Sometimes I think I misinterpret my feelings. When things are going great, resulting in feelings of ecstasy or excitement, I find it easier to praise God, therefore making it feel that He is near.
When I am most broken, when life is falling apart, when there seems to be no rest or solution, or that I can hardly breathe, that is when I know God is near.
God has been so close in those moments of intense struggle that I could feel His breath on my forehead as he bent down to kiss me and whisper, “I love you. It’s all good. Trust Me. I promised never to leave you.”
As you go through the days ahead, breathe and expect the breath of God blowing a fresh perspective into your life.
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life’s clouds of doubt. This plays out in her writing. Her ability to seamlessly weave scripture into the lives of her characters will uplift and encourage you. Her masterful storytelling will keep you turning page after page and wishing for more.
Heidi lives with her husband of thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t writing, you will find her outside playing with her two grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend.
To learn more about Heidi, visit her at http://heidigraymcgill.com/