This morning, the Lord reminded me to pray for my friend, who lost her husband to a tragic accident recently. Facing the holidays alone must be tough for her this year, as she grieves the loss of her best friend and companion.

I can't imagine how she celebrated Thanksgiving with a heart still so raw with pain. And now, as we enter into the Christmas season with all the parties and presents … and parenting without him … my mind can't even fathom her heartache.

I'm thankful for the promise of God's presence as I pray for my friend today. "The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:5 NIV).

When life's journey gets unbearable, He promises to carry our burden. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NLT).

When our hearts are broken beyond repair, He promises to heal us. "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds" (Psalm 147:3).

When we've lost our way, He promises to guide us. He gives"light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and (guides) us to the path of peace" (Luke 1:79). 

If we've lost our spouse, He promises to be our husband. "For your Creator will be your husband; the LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth" (Isaiah 54:5).

Our Heavenly Father promises to take care of our children. "I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace" (Isaiah 54:13).

God hears our cries, any time of the day or night. "... I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me" (Psalm 55:16-18).

He promises to fight all of our battles! "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!" (2 Chronicles 20:17)

Oh, Lord, today, as I pray for my sister …  she's reaching for you, reach back and touch her. Touch her with your love, your peace, and your care. Touch her with your healing power in all her despair. She's touched the hem of your garment; she knows the healer down deep within. You can make her whole; she knows that much. I pray You’ll heal her with just one touch. (Just One Touch, Jordan)

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed'" (Mark 5:27-28).

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34).

Photo/KarenJordan