Carmen Horne

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God is There

by Carmen Horne 14 Comments

“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” John 14:27 MSG

God is There pic

 

Jesus understood. He knew how much the disciples loved him. He also realized they didn’t truly understand why He had come. There were expectations and those expectations were not apart of God’s plan for Jesus.

My heart is tender towards these men who had walked away from so much in their private lives to follow a man that was rocking the world everywhere He went. Such excitement, anticipation and intrigue. They were making plans. And Him leaving them was not apart of the strategy.

Jesus knew they would feel abandoned. But…

 

There is a difference between leaving and being left.

 

Jesus was leaving them but He had not left them. What He knew, they could not see through the confusion and  their feelings of disappointment. He would always be near through the person of the Holy Spirit – The Comforter and Counselor.

Jesus promises peace. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. Then why do we feel forgotten and alone? As I write I am praying. God, I know you don’t abandon us but we feel abandoned sometimes.

I don’t want to pat you on the head and say something real churchy and quote a few scriptures when I know some of you, just like me, have felt distraught, deserted and filled with anxiety. You might be feeling that way today.

During these times I have to pull from within and rely on what I know, not what I feel. Do I still “feel” like I  have been left – forgotten? Most often I do. Some of the reason for that could be that my situation may not have changed. The situation the disciples would face after Jesus’ ascension would be not be better. It would be more intense. Jesus was preparing them for the feelings He knew they would experience. He made sure it was recorded in the Bible because He can identify with the feeling of abandonment. He wanted to assure us that we have not been left alone.

If you are feeling left today, Jesus understands. I understand. I have cried out many times, where in the world are You God! Hold on. Take a breath and look for Him everywhere.

 

He is there. In a scripture someone shares, a hug from a friend, a beautiful song or amazing sunset. He is Jehovah-Shammah – God is there.

 

Joining other writers today at Five Minute Friday, The Weekend Brew and Tell His Story.

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Filed Under: Faith, Hope & Joy, Trust

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Comments

  1. Julie Lefebure says

    November 5, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    The knowing He’s there makes all the difference for me. Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Carmen. God bless you as you continue to write for Him. Your space here is beautiful, as you are!

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 5, 2014 at 6:25 pm

      Aww thanks Julie. You are so kind and supportive. I’m glad you visited today. You are so right. Knowing makes all the difference.

      Reply
  2. Kristi says

    November 5, 2014 at 9:48 am

    There IS a difference between between leaving and being left. Thank you, Carmen, for writing those words. They are insightful, touching, and right for today. :-)

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 5, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      I am so glad you visited today Kristi! The Holy Spirit dwells with us always. I agree, so good to know.

      Reply
  3. Mary says

    November 2, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Beautiful reminder Carmen that God will never leave us behind. He is always with us even during those times that we cannot feel id presence. Your words were a smooth salve for the hurts that many of us feel as we go through difficult times. Blessed to meet you through The Weekend Brew.

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 3, 2014 at 7:02 am

      Mary thank you so much for your kind words and for reminding me that I am not alone in needing “a smooth salve for my hurts” during tough times. Please come again soon.

      Reply
  4. Barbie says

    November 2, 2014 at 1:00 am

    He is the ever present One. I’ve been feeling a little abandoned and forgotten lately, in some areas, things I am waiting for and praying for. Thank you for this beautiful reminder and for linking up with The Weekend Brew.

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 2, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      Barbie I understand what you are talking about. Gosh, God seems so far away especially when He is silent. He is always at work on our behalf though and I just know that what has been invisible will soon be visible for you. Loved visiting The Weekend Brew.

      Reply
  5. Debra H. says

    November 1, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing these inspiring and encouraging words.
    *an FMF neighbor stopping by

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 2, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      I’m glad you were encouraged Debra. I like when neighbors visit :)

      Reply
  6. Deborah says

    November 1, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    God is always there. Even when He is quiet. Thank you for the beautiful reminder on this stormy day in my neck of the woods :-) .
    And thank you for your kind words to me on GrowingInHisGrace.com . Thank you for stopping by and leaving some wisdom. I appreciate it.
    Blessings,

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 2, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      Deborah it is especially good to know “God is there” when He is quiet. I’m glad you stopped by for a visit. I enjoyed mine with you. Please visit again soon!

      Reply
  7. Ginger Harrington says

    November 1, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    I wasn’t familiar with this name for God. I love learning the Hebrew names for God and their meanings. God is there–so precious and so important to remember on those days we might be tempted to feel alone.

    Reply
    • Carmen says

      November 2, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      Ginger, Jehovah-Shammah is only found in one place in the Bible – Ezekiel 48:35. A symbolic name for Jerusalem indicating that He had not abandoned them. They would be restored. I like you love the names of God. I saw this during research and just knew it would go with the topic I was writing on. God is always with us. Thanks for dropping by for visit. Come again soon!

      Reply

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What Others Are Saying...

"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."

Deana G.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:28:02-05:00

Deana G.

"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/deana-g/
"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."

Norah A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:27:16-05:00

Norah A.

"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/norah-a/
"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."

Judy H.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:26:03-05:00

Judy H.

"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/judy-h/
"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."

Karen S.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:23:50-05:00

Karen S.

"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/karen-s/
"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"

Dianne A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
5
2016-06-25T01:22:56-05:00

Dianne A.

"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"
https://www.carmenhorne.com/testimonials/dianne-a/
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Carmen Horne, Life Coach

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