Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Well, how about that?

Another 3+ weeks have gone by and I can't seem to get up on here once a week, let alone every day or few days as I mentioned a while back.  What up?  I'm sure I'm losing readership!  Thanks to Michelle for pointing out that I haven't added anything lately and am very far behind.  Guilty as charged!

So, I've had a lot of thoughts rattling around in my brain lately.  This accounts for my absence.  So, do you ever have those times in your life when you feel like you're at a crossroads or a fork in the road and it makes you stop.  And think.  And question, "What next?"  "Which path shall I choose?"  "Where do I go from here?"  Because we know that once a path is chosen or a turn has been made, we can't go back if it doesn't work out the way we thought or hoped it might.  For whatever reasons, I don't like this "standing still."  I'd rather be going somewhere.  Not sure why I feel that way, but standing and waiting is very uncomfortable.  Perhaps because it forces us to confront our fears and nightmares, hopes and dreams.  It forces us to deal with that which is right in front of us instead of just passing it by and hoping it goes away and doesn't come back.  Kinda like sweeping it under the rug:  you can't see it anymore, but when the rug gets moved, that dirt and dust is there staring you in the face.  What do you do?  Do you put the rug back in place, or sweep up the dirt & dust and deal with it properly?  I suppose that depends what the problem is, and how much it keeps creeping out from under the rug.  But regardless of whether we sweep stuff under the rug, or put blinders on as we walk our path of life, at some point, IT must be dealt with.

Answers come in various forms at the most unsuspecting of times.  Maybe it feels like the answers don't come.  I think that can also be a form of an answer.  Life can be mysterious at times.  And the mysteries present more questions.  I don't have special insight or else I'd have my own stuff figured out, but I do know that we have been given guidance.  "Your word is a lamp to my FEET and a light for my PATH."  Psalm 119:105.  The light shines just where we need it most: right in front of us.  Not down the way or around the bend or over the hill, but right at our feet so we know where to place our feet.  One step at a time will get us through life and to life everlasting.  Even standing still we can know that our first step will be a sure one when the light illuminates it.

And while we wait for the direction we must remain focused on the One who guides us.  It is these times of waiting when the devil will try to sneak in and plant false hopes and thoughts, deceiving us.  " . . . Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  1 Peter 5:8  But we can pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."  Psalm 139:23.  "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 your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  Philippians 4:6-8.  What?!  With 'thanksgiving'?  How am I supposed to be thankful for the anguish and pain I'm feeling?  But it is God's peace that our earthly minds cannot comprehend that helps us find peace and calm in the whirlwind.  "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thes. 5:16-18.  OH, there's that "thanks" word again!  Give thanks for the hurt?  How?  I certainly don't understand it, but it's reassuring to know that God's promises are there for ME, and for YOU.

If I've only provided more questions and confusion for you than answers, I didn't mean to, and I'm sorry.  I hope that this might be the catalyst for you to begin your own journey to peace and calm out of chaos and frustration.  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7.  And when we find ourselves moving again, and there is peace in the movement, rest assured that your trials were not in vain.  "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself RESTORE you and make you STRONG, FIRM, and STEADFAST.  To him be the power for ever and ever.  Amen."  1 Peter 5:10-11.

2 comments:

michelle hs said...

i must agree that it is reassuring to know God's promises are there for me, even when i feel as though God has forgotten about me. over the past eight months time has stood still and moved in slow motion and i've seen others continue on as i am stuck...and i'm finally beginning to realize my 'new' normal. i've felt God holding me up, because i could not stand on my own. i've prayed and felt led to pray for others.

a few weeks ago my pastor preached on being joyful in our trials. can i just say that that sermon hit me hard to say the least.

i've tried to remain focused on God over these past eight months and overall i'd say i've done very well. i've had my days that i wanted nothing to do with God, that i couldn't even pray...but God has definitely been leading me and i'm starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel leading to my 'new' normal.

i am stronger for making it through this experience every day! i am growing in my faith through this experience. i would like to think i am a better person for this experience, but if nothing else i am at least more aware and sympathetic.

i will continue to take each day one day at a time! i will continue to put one foot in front of the other praying that i am being led by God and not my own selfish desires.

michelle hs said...

i must agree that it is reassuring to know God's promises are there for me, even when i feel as though God has forgotten about me. over the past eight months time has stood still and moved in slow motion and i've seen others continue on as i am stuck...and i'm finally beginning to realize my 'new' normal. i've felt God holding me up, because i could not stand on my own. i've prayed and felt led to pray for others.

a few weeks ago my pastor preached on being joyful in our trials. can i just say that that sermon hit me hard to say the least.

i've tried to remain focused on God over these past eight months and overall i'd say i've done very well. i've had my days that i wanted nothing to do with God, that i couldn't even pray...but God has definitely been leading me and i'm starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel leading to my 'new' normal.

i am stronger for making it through this experience every day! i am growing in my faith through this experience. i would like to think i am a better person for this experience, but if nothing else i am at least more aware and sympathetic.

i will continue to take each day one day at a time! i will continue to put one foot in front of the other praying that i am being led by God and not my own selfish desires.