Wednesday, April 28

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
—John 11:17

There are times when our spirit flags from weariness or difficulty. We feel about as energetic as a hibernating bear. Our world feels covered in shadow and sleep.

Then there are times when we are filled with anxiety. The world races by throwing troubles at us in the most random and unexpected ways. We are not sure if we can find a place that is calm and quiet, someplace that will allow us to rest without fear. We cast about looking for support to keep us safe.

There are also times when we feel encased in a dark, cold tomb, and the breath that once moved freely through us has been forcibly silenced. It feels like all hope is gone, and life will never be given to us again.

Yet, even in the tomb, hope is not lost. A day in the heart of heaven is but the flash of an eye. In an instant we feel the presence of the Holy One nearby. Something in us begins to quiver and we feel the unseen force of God beginning to flow around us. We may not know what will happen. We may not yet believe that anything will change, but we know we are not alone.

We know that the pain of our heart has not been ignored. We know that the lifelessness that covers us has not been dismissed. We matter. Our pain matters. Our life matters. All we need do is be still and wait for heaven's touch, heaven's voice, heaven's breath. Life will come to us again.

Gracious God, even when life has become dead to me, let me feel the nearness of your presence.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2008.