This Poor Man Cried
What SHe SAid - Part 12
Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34:6
Dear Friends,
Ann Swindell, a Help & Hope podcast guest and founder of Writing with Grace, introduced me to Rosann Coulon when I asked her if she could recommend some of her students as guest writers for Daily Treasure. I’m so grateful to Ann for this connection. Rosann not only wrote this week’s devotions but also joined me as a guest on the Help & Hope podcast. In Monday’s devotional, Rosann shared Psalm 34:6 as Today’s Treasure:
This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.
These words immediately took me back to 1968. I was twenty years old, living in Indiana by myself, brokenhearted by my break up with the young man who would later become my husband. I was lonely, afraid, and uncertain of my future. In those days, churches never locked their doors, so out of desperation for hope, I slipped into the little church I attended and walked up to the Communion Table where I found an open Bible. Tears streaming down my cheeks, I whispered, “Lord, help me. I don’t know how to do this.” The Bible was open to Psalm 34 and truly, the words were like fresh water for a parched soul. Rosann’s experience with this hope-filled chapter reminded me once more of God’s faithfulness to a broken-hearted young woman, not only then, but throughout my entire life. On her blog, Leavingawell.com Rosann explains her mission:
“I’ve served in church ministry in some capacity most of my life and now feel compelled to offer encouragement to women who find themselves heartbroken, burned out, and struggling to be enough. All of these things led me into a valley of dis-ease physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Have you struggled to find freedom from expectations, perfection, fear, and anxiety? I invite you to join me as I share my journey into healing. Let’s seek God’s word together to discover who He is and who we are in Him.” Rosann Coulon, leavingawell.com
In Tuesday’s devotional, Rosann writes:
“Surprise! My mother’s kind blue eyes and toothy grin met me as I opened the door to her home. I surveyed the room and noticed the balloons, flowers, cards, and gifts displayed throughout. And what was meant to be a celebration felt more like a memorial service to me. It was my fortieth birthday, and instead of abounding joy, I was filled with sorrow.
You see, when I awoke that morning, all the unfulfilled plans that I had made for my life––the plans of motherhood, financial freedom, and a thriving career––slapped me in the face. Instead, my days were filled with constant pain and fatigue due to chronic illness. The pitter-patter from little feet had never filled my home, and although our financial needs had been met, there was no cream on top to live the life of luxury I had imagined in my younger days.
But I had it all wrong.”
Friends, I know Rosann’s insights will encourage you, whether you are in a dark place, or in the mundane moments of life. I’m so grateful that Ann Swindell introduced us!
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.