We sit across the table from each other. He calls out the heaviness in my heart, and it is only then that I realize its full weight.

It’s been a season of change, of loss, of new places, and of growth.

The corners of his mouth rise in a gentle smile. The kindness in his eyes soothes my soul. So much could be said in this moment, but there is no need.

After three decades of sharing our lives, he knows me so well. He knows that sometimes quiet knowing is all I need. The intimacy in that moment is deep and full and rich.

Healing and renewal often don’t look like we think they should look. Sometimes they happen by just being in the presence of one who knows.

I am blessed with other relationships that afford me the same gift. I didn’t seek them out honestly because I didn’t know I needed them, but they found me, and I am so thankful.

Even greater than those relationships, though, is sitting in quiet with the One who knows me best.

Sometimes I talk incessantly, and He patiently listens to every word.

Sometimes I cry, and He collects my tears.

Sometimes I question, yet He never gets defensive.

Sometimes I beg, and He draws me in close.

And sometimes . . . we just sit together in the quiet knowing.

I imagine the corners of His mouth also reveal a gentle smile, and I take shelter in the kindness of His eyes.

No words needed.

Sometimes just being in that space with Him is the most powerful.

And as challenging as this season has been for me, I am fully aware that so many have experienced much more loss and heartbreak and wounding.

I know for some of you that tomorrow doesn’t feel like hope, and morning doesn’t feel like a new beginning.

I don’t have answers to all your questions, and I don’t know when the light will break through for you.

But this I do know . . . 

The One who knows you is waiting for you in the quiet. He’s not waiting for you to craft the perfect prayer or for you to finally get your act together.

He’s waiting to be with you. No need to clean up to go into the quiet place. No need to perform or live up to His expectations. No need to wait until you’re not mad at Him. No need to pretend you’re OK.

He just wants to be with you.

There is such peace in the quiet knowing. He already knows the state of your heart and He’s not put off by you.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

He desires you. He didn’t design you to walk it alone. He wants you to step into the quiet knowing with Him while you wrestle the questions.

I want to encourage you to take some time to sit with Him.

Let Him be fully who He desires to be in your life . . . 

The Lifter of your Head (Ps 3:3)
The God who Sees You (Gen 16:13)
The God who Heals (Ex 15:26)
The God who Provides (Gen 22:14)
The God of Your Strength (2 Sam 22:33)
Your Refuge (Ps 62:8)
The God of Truth (Ps 31:5)
The God who is Near (Jer 23:23)

Today, take time for your soul. Take some time to just be with Him in the quiet knowing.

If you feel like sharing, let me know where you’re at. I’d love to pray for you. Blessings to you!

Originally published on the author’s blog

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Joy McLaughlin

Joy lives in Indiana and is wife to Todd, mom of three married sons, and Nana to four adorable grandsons.  She is passionate about enabling others to walk in freedom by helping them apply Biblical truths to their daily lives.  Words make her smile, and a well-crafted sentence is just as delicious as a chocolate treat.

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