This Broken World

It’s times like this Lord

I’m reminded of the brokenness of this world

It’s hard to know what to pray

Or how to pray

What can I do

Being so very far away

Let them be aware of Your nearness

Your presences guiding them through each day

Give them strength when they grow weary

In unseen ways, You help them to carry their heavy burdens

In ways, both big and small

Reveal Your tender mercies

Bring to remembrance a hymn or Scripture verse

That stokes the fires of faith within

A timely phone call from family or friends

Just to listen so they know someone cares

Bring to mind Christ Jesus the Lord

At the right hand of the Father interceding for them

When grief and sadness overwhelm them

Holy Spirit translate their groaning into prayer

Their tears are precious to You

You note each one that falls and hold them in a bottle

For the mind that is failing

Allow moments of clarity each day

Though they may forget everything else

Let them never, no never, forget their God

Their suffering is great

I can’t help but ask how long O Lord

I find assurance in knowing You have numbered our days

You know our end from the beginning

You have promised when this life is over

Your saints will be welcomed home in the loving arms of their Savior

In heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, sickness or death

Until then Lord, bring them through this broken world

Susan Wachtel

February 11, 2018

A Year with the LORD

A year has passed

  Which held changes

    We never could have imagined

Nor could we have

  Gotten through the challenges

    On our own wisdom and strength

At every turn

  God met us

    With just what was needed

Before we could even ask

   Or know what to pray

    God directed our steps and met our needs

At times it seems surreal

  I’m sure I’ll wake up

    From this dream

But another day dawns

  Here I am

    In a new place we call home

By Susan Bunts Wachtel

September 7, 2015

September 6^th, marked our one year anniversary when we left our family, friends, church and home in southern California and moved 1,500 miles to Texas. 

In so many respects it’s been an amazing year.  Especially when we look back and see God’s faithfulness and help at every turn. 

We are most grateful to God and for our family and friends who supported and prayed for us as the Lord moved us from the place we called home for many years. 

Far Away

How is it
I feel far away
From the One who will never leave me?

How is it
I feel deserted
By the Him who will never forsake me?

How is it
I feel separated
From God who indwells me with His Holy Spirit?

How can I
Trust my feelings
Which contradict the Word of God?

How can I
Believe the enemy’s lies
Rather than remember God’s faithfulness?

Susan Bunts Wachtel
May 15, 2009


This poem was written on a low day, in which the enemy’s attacks were many. Finally relief came in answer to prayer. I found hope and peace when I encouraged myself with reminders of God’s faithfulness and through the truth found in His word.