Susan LaffertyWe heard it repeated. Often. “Being in the center of God’s will is the safest place to be.”
Well, yes.
But safest can be interpreted in different ways.
We were living in a city where Taliban congregated and proliferated.
One political party’s slogan read “Sell your televisions and buy guns.” As they sought to overthrow the ruling party by force.
Safest was not the first word that came to mind.
Empty skies. In the days following 9/11/2001. The flight pattern over our home in Virginia—suddenly silent.
My husband was traveling in West Africa at the time. He called and I wept. We felt the distance in the midst of uncertainty.
Our world changed that day, but we drew near to the One who never changes. Held on to His Word. And Joshua 1:9 became our family verse during that season.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The one who speaks truth finds himself walled in. Weighed down. Worn out.
No hope. Only the crooked path. And a deep pit. Face in the gravel.
Affliction. With no end in sight.
This. When he’s fearlessly made known God’s ways. And wept over the judgment of a disobedient people.
Jeremiah laments.
