“Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you’re not alone ” -Phillips Phillips, home.
I dont even think this singer is a christian. But, listen to his words. Hold fast to this dear heart. Dont let the dissapointments of the winter season steal your joy.
I cried when I read this verse.
“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”-Isaiah 58:11.
God will strenghten us even when we are attacked at all angles. When it hurts too much. This winter has been hard. Christmas in my family hasnt been exactly the most joyous event. Yes, its all about the birth of Jesus. Yes this brings a smile to my face. However, between my moms hospitalizations, intense family fights, and a brother im trying to protect, its hard to not let this world steal my joy. My mom has been really sick again, three hospitalizations in the past three weeks. My stepdad is potentially thinking suicidal thoughts and scared me by asking me if anything should happen to him, would I take care of my brother. I am trying to distract my brother by getting him out of the house to play with friends, or playing catch with him myself, just so he can be spared from my moms confusion and anger, and my stepdads breaking soul.
Last christmas was similar, with my mom on home hospice care for 8 months. Part of me despises winter, and I get mild panic attacks when I think to last year. I often pause when people ask me how my christmas was, how would they respond if they only knew?
Even when im in the scorched places, the Lord is good. I am constantly amazed about how he sends so many people to touch me in so many ways. I have had different friends reach out to me in unexpected ways, without me saying a word, without them ever knowing how intense the stressors are in my life. Seriously. Its almost unbelievable. I wish I could wright them all down. People going out of their way for me, for no reason. Ive had random hugs from many, a chaplain taking two hours to speak to me, friends saying so many encouraging things, etc.
HE cares about ME.
“But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”-Matthew 10:29-31
So for this year, I am going to focus on renewing my mind. Remembering Gods promises, how he WILL be with me in the scorched places. He WILL make me strong. You WILL not fail. Listen to his whispers throughout the crashing waves. Dont let this world steal your joy. He has a plan for you. Hold fast dear heart. Pray. Listen. Seek.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”-Romans 12:2.
It’s true, sometimes we don’t realize how much God loves us and wants to take care of us and all our burdens which are not our to carry. Will definitely bring your situation before The Lord in prayer and stand with you. I came from a very broken family aswell which was very tough, but today they are all born again and serving The Lord. I’m sometimes embarrassed when I think of how little I trusted The Lord because in all things he uses them to work together for good for those who love him.
what a powerful reply, I can relate to everythink you said. I often get embassed at the arguments my mom and I used to have, an then something changed, God has restored our relationship. Is it a healthy one? no. But I have been learnng more of my boundaries and to learn to dicern when I should help and take the extra time, or when really I need to go for a walk and talk with God so I dont react bad. Even through my moms illness, I have been able to see Gods hand all over my life. Friends that I havent seen for a few days would say such encouraging and caring words eventhough they ddnt know what was going on. God catches us when we fall.
Thank you for sharing your heart. No matter how broken it has been, you are right God is with you and not against you. There is a lot of wisdom in your words, God has a plan to use all this hard , heart wrenching stuff for His glory and His purposes. You touch my heart and I will lift your family before the Lord in Prayer.
Thank you for your prayers! They are much appreciated!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement in this time of trial. I pray continually that God can use this for good. I appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much and have a wonderful day!
Thank you for this post I found it so inspiring, dealing with losses in my family that happened so suddenly I am glad to be remainded that God is taking care of use all and will use it for his glory. This post was just what I needed!
Bookofspelling–I am glad this post helped you. Dont loose confidence- whatever trials you have faced or will face will always be used for Gods glory. Things on my end look bleak–moms on a morphine drip and is confused as all get out. BUT. I will not loose confidence in our God. He does not break his promises, and looking back, I can see some of the small ways things are being used for his glory. (others I wont see until I reach heaven). Keep the faith. You are strong and courageous!