Yesterday I dragged myself to church, only because I knew that my spirit needed to be there. I figured God very likely had something to say that I needed to hear. I was right. He met me there.
Life’s been difficult these past weeks and months. And as Christmas approached I found myself feeling distant from the “cheer” of the holiday and distant from my Lord. I longed to climb into my Father’s lap, yet he felt far away.
Hardships, disappointments and heartaches have assaulted my husband and me. We have a list of troubles and sometimes wonder what tomorrow will bring. My mind wants to dwell there—on the darkness, but God says, “No.”
Yesterday, our pastor said, “We are to be a light to the world, no matter what our circumstances.” God’s Word says we are to be shining stars. So, what happens when I can’t muster any light? God’s Word offers me the answer.
Philippians 4:4 – 8 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Even when God feels far away, He’s not. He is always near. And He knows the beginning and the end and that my present circumstances are only a part of my journey. I can draw close to God. He is always available to His children. However, it is up to me to change my thinking and to trust Him.
I’ve walked with the Lord a good long while and have learned that often it’s the hardest days that produce the greatest rewards. And so I’m determined to change my thinking, and I look forward to all God has to teach me as He carries me along this path called life.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Great post, Bonnie. You're right, we're never alone, and His strength always carries us through.
ReplyDeleteGuess we've all slogged through those wilderness times. I've learned that even when I felt dry and dull, as if nothing was going on, God was at work, shaping and molding and stretching me. Then later on, sometimes much later on, what I gleaned from that dark experience proved to be exactly what I needed for the present.
(I know you already know that. If you're like me, sometimes it helps to have someone say it to you.)
Blessings, friend, and have a good New Year!
Lenore,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement and your wisdom. You are so right.
And, yes, it is true that even when we already know God's truth, we do need to be reminded.
Blessings to you,
Bonnie