Devotional: Are we weak and heavy ladden?

Dear sisters and brothers:

As you know I went through a mental and emotional blip a few weeks ago.  I am aware that a number of you have suffered in this way far worse than I ever have.  Anyway, you are not alone in being a Christian who feels low (just read the Psalms).

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) is best known for his classic devotional book 'My Utmost for His Highest'.  At one stage in his life he was living dangerously close to the edge of a complete breakdown.  In an excellent biography on his life, David McCasland writes:  

Only three times during the past four years had Oswald been conscious of God speaking personally to him: Once, when sitting in  his room late at night, his collie, Tweed, had  come in through the window, put his head on Oswald's knee, looked into his eyes for a few minutes, then gone out again.  Another time his door opened and in came the baby boy of the house, barefoot and in his night clothes [Chambers was living at a theological college].  He came up to him and said, 'Mr. Chambers, I loves you' and went back to his bed.  Again, while conducting a Christian Endeavour meeting, a mentally retarded girl walked down the church aisle and laid a bunch of withering flowers on the table.  A piece of paper tied to the flowers said, 'With love from daft Meg.'  Each event seemed to be a tender touch from the Father conveying His presence and love.  

I encourage us today to be mindful to pray for the many in our church (and those known to our church), who are passing through difficult times.  May God use us, and especially our prayers, to help them be conscious of God's presence.

I leave you with a few of Chamber's comments, that we might pray these would be a felt reality in the lives of those we pray for:

The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ.'

When a man is at his wits end it is not a cowardly thing to pray, it is the only way he can get in touch with Reality.'

'Many a man has had his soul restored in the valley of the shadow, not in the green pastures ...'

God bless you my family in Christ,
Paul.