Loneliness on the Edge of Hell

God, you're my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you. Put me on your salvation agenda; take notes on the trouble I'm in. I've had my fill of trouble; I'm camped on the edge of hell. I'm written off as a lost cause, one more statistic, a hopeless case. Psalm 88:1-4 (MSG)

Dear friend:
Today you looked as though you've been "camping on the edge of hell." Perhaps the news you received has caused you to feel as though you have been "written off as a lost cause, one more statistic, a hopeless case."

I can't know exactly how you feel, but I have felt "written off" before, and I know how painful hopelessness can be.

I suppose the journey through "the valley of the shadow of death" (Ps. 23:4) feels like "the edge of hell." It's important for you to realize, though, that you are only on "the edge of hell," not in it. The psalmist was able to make it through his living hell because God didn't abandon him. I believe you, too, will experience, in very mysterious ways, the love of God in the midst of your agony and pain. I believe angels are present with you, both literally and figuratively. I believe God is for you and not against you and that even as there is great joy in heaven when a sinner repents, there are also also prayers offered and tears shed by the heavenly hosts when God's people suffer.

You're not alone. I love you and will continue to pray for you today. For reasons known only to God, there are those camped on the edge of hell who are allowed to again find rest and water in green pastures. May God's rest be yours today.

Lord, my friend is suffering unbearably today. He is devastated and hurting. Bring comfort and hope to him and to all those who suffer today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Reprinted by permission of the author from his book A Season of Hope and through the courtesy of the publisher, Cook Communications Ministries.

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