It's been a while...okay a lonnnggg while.
I wish to be an email you look forward to. To bring you a message of hope. Sure it might bring tears to your eyes but after you read the last line, I pray that you sit back and feel a renewed knowledge that God is with you...and even more than that, that He is FOR YOU.
Like most of us, I've struggled with remembering that off and on. Sure, I've got valid reasons...my life has bounced like a ping-pong ball in a wind tunnel the last few years. I could list my reasons... but don't we all have valid reasons? Yet...God is still here in the wind tunnels of life. Speaking, to all willing to listen...still with us.
A friend I hadn't seen in a long while commented that, "I wasn't laughing much anymore." I heard her, I guess deep down inside I knew it was true. I had begun holding my breath waiting for the next bad thing to happen. Handling any "good news" cautiously. If staying in bed were an option for me...okay, it's not but I'd be sorely tempted.
I tell you this, not to get your pity...but just in case, you've struggled too. Just in case...you're reading this from your bed, your sofa...from a dark place. Maybe you need to know that you're not alone. And just in case, you need a reminder that God is for you...I'm telling you, HE IS.
I started googling, "what does the bible say about God's goodness?" The scripture references are so many . "Rejoice in the Lord, always. Again I say Rejoice." With tears streaming...I rejoice in Who He is, and His presence settles over me and begins to soothe my broken heart.
It may not change your circumstances but it sure helps to know that God is aware of them. I decided a few years ago to be REAL with some folks I was in a bible study with. It wasn't the wisest thing I've ever done. People may ask about my life, but I've come to learn that they may not be prepared for the harsh reality of it.
The judgements that came after I exposed my life brought pain I'm still aching from. Lesson learned.
But...we don't need to sugar coat our lives, or our circumstances when we pray. God would much prefer we are real with Him. Holding nothing back, HE can handle the unfiltered pain of our broken hearts. He's got us, and there are never repercussions for being REAL with God.
The characteristics of God do not change, He remains true, no matter what we are going through.
I randomly googled, "prayer" one day, and came away overwhelmed by how many times God admonishes us to ask for help.
"Let your requests be made known to God."
He basically begs us to seek Him out. He is near, and we can ask Him for what we need. We may not get what we asked for, but we can trust Him to give us what is best. How do I know that? Because HE promised..over and over again in HIs word.
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you BY NAME; YOU ARE MINE."
It is not God's will that we face every day with dread and trepidation! We were made for so much more. More than living each day with breath-stealing angst...or gut splitting worry.
You were made for so much more.
I also found that the Bible is Kindle's most highlighted book and that Phillippians 4:6 is the most highlighted passage.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiviing, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally breathren, what so ever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there be any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Phillippians 4:6-8
Max Lucado offers these four highlights when studying Phillippians 4:6-8 He uses the anacronym--CALM
- Celebrate God's goodness
- Ask God for Help
- Leave your worries with God (Don't pretend they aren't there)
- Meditate on Good Things. (Redirect your mind)
I came to realize I was transforming my mind, by meditating on the good. Sure the hard stuff is still happening. Somedays I wish to grab the covers and pull them over my head. Everyone feels that way sometimes...
But I'm sleeping a little better. I even smile more, and it's REAL. I've begun to laugh again. Putting my trust in the God who promises He can be trusted...afterall, He is God, and I'm not. What a relief.
FYI - Book ONE THE CHOOSING will be releasing on AMAZON in the AUDIBLE FORMAT, for...wait for it... .99 cents! Only to you guys in my email list. It will be .99 for the first week.
If you find yourself hidden under the covers, all you need do is click play...
Allow the story to soothe your aching spirit. Let Adonai, meet you wherever you are.
Cheers, Teresa
