Good Day to you!
I didn't wake up full of sunshine and butterflies today.
It was a restless night, full of tossing and turning. Despite the fact that I know better, the thought of facing another week in this long valley of persecution had me anxious and angry. I did go for a walk with my husband last night, and that definately turned my attitude around...for a time.
Then it was back to tumbling around thoughts in my head.
"When will this ever end? Have you forgotten me, Lord? How long must I endure this??"
Sounds terrible, huh? Not a very good example. I wasn't feeling particularly Christian and holy.
Strangely enough, though, I am in good company.
Here's a sample of what David said to God:
Psalm 42:9 (NIV)
9 I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
How about Job? You know, the guy who went through SO much. We forget that he didn't always embrace the trial he was going through. Here's a sample of what he had to say:
My relatives have failed. And my close friends have forgotten me.
Even God's set apart, chosen people felt forgotten. Look at what Isaiah had to say:
Isaiah 49:14
But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”
The most amazing example of human angst toward suffering came from Christ Himself, while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was fully God...yet still, fully man. And His human emotion came out here:
New International Version (NIV)
34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
So I am not alone in my angst about my situation - and my crying out to God to relieve me.
Any of you feel like that? Like God has forgotten you? Like you are trying to do all you can do to be good person, a good Christian, and yet doors are slammed in your face, situations are not turning around, relief that is earnestly prayed for is not forthcoming?
The Bible has a few things to say about that, too.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Note that it doesn't say that ALL THINGS ARE GOOD. Because all things are NOT good. But God will work for the good of those who love Him. He is NOT surprised by what is going on - He sees the whole situation, beginning to end. We may never understand why some things happen, and some things don't. But HE does. He had a plan the whole time.
I know it feels like you are abandoned some times - especially during and after a divorce, when you are isolated and your world is rocked. But check this out:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lordyour God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
NEVER leave you or forsake you. No matter what. No matter what you are feeling like. No matter what it looks like.
He is with you today - take a deep breathe. Open your windows in the car and play some upbeat music (I recommend some upbeat Christian music!!) Take a walk outside. Be grateful for what you DO have - give thanks for a roof over your head, for legs that work, for a mind that is alert, for HOPE.
It's going to be okay.
Todays picture attachment is a beautiful tree in Fall Splendor...a cold day, but the sun was shining through. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer - but as the sun goes away, the trees respond by giving us the glory of their autumn leaves. And the colder and more brisk the air, the brighter the colors.
We can choose how we respond to the long dark nights and the cold isolation. We can let the Son shine through us, and let His radiance reflect in all we do.
You are a blessing!
LS
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