“I’m tired. The weight of the unknown, the lack of motivation, the loss of physical strength – all of it seems overwhelming. I’m tired of not being able to plan anything and not even being confident that my family and I will be safe tomorrow. I’m fearful and nervous and just. plain. tired.” She took another sip of coffee and sighed. 

I understood. We were all in the same circumstances the longer the danger continued. We were all unsure of tomorrow. We were all carrying the weight of war and the overwhelming pressure of instability. And we were all facing the possibility that this period could last a long, long time.

Yet what my new friend didn’t realize was that she was already on the pathway to healing. By opening her heart and admitting her weakness, she was taking the first steps to recovery. The longer I listened to her, the more confident I became that both she and I were going to be OK. 

That cup of coffee was followed by another the next week. And that one was followed by another and another... Our weekly gatherings became places of rest and healing as we talked about the fears and troubles we faced daily. Every once in a while, fighter jets roared overhead and explosions sounded somewhere in the distance, but we continued to meet and talk and pray. We opened Scripture and searched for encouragement. We read the gospel stories and re-focused our gazes on Christ. And by the end of each meeting, we would leave full; because, even in the context of war, He remained faithful to give “peace that transcends all understanding.” Phil. 4:7

His promises are timeless, powerful, and universal. Whether you’re comforting the fears of someone in a dangerous territory, or holding the hand of a tired, weary soul in a hospital bed in your home country, His Word continues to bring healing to aching, suffering hearts.