In a world where our expectations so often clash with reality, it’s not uncommon to feel let down by the people we love. Friends can disappoint us, families can shatter, and even our closest relationships can be painful, filled with miscommunication or unmet expectations.....
Sometimes life can be so very hard. To the world around you it may appear as if all is well but deep inside we feel differently. Sometimes it's just a hard day or even a hard week, but what happens when we realize we are in a very hard season?
I have had hard seasons that have lasted for many years and the truth is, it's exhausting. I wonder if I'm missing something that keeps me stuck. Sometimes the silence is deafening, but I've learned that it's in the silence that Gods presence is overwhelming near. One thing I know for sure is He is omnipresent. He will never leave our side. When we are in a deep valley or time of suffering -He's there. He's a comforter and a healer. He's a shoulder to cry on. He's loyal, faithful, filled with grace, mercy and unconditional love. He's also the great physician and will stop at nothing to make sure we are healed, whole and thriving in the goodness of His creation. He has a plan for each and every one of us. If life has wounded your heart He will show you the source of your pain and hold you tightly as He walks you through and then out of it. I've learned that often times the source of suffering is much deeper than we realize.
Sometimes it isn’t all about chin up and put your best foot forward. Sometimes it’s about remembering that it is in our weakest moments that God strength shines so brightly.
I’ve had seasons in my life where I have gutted it out through confusing and painful times, most of those times feeling alone. The memorable ones, the times of real transformation have been when I truly let go and got very real with God. In doing so I had to acknowledge that I wasn’t alone. There He was, waiting for me to turn to Him.
He knows the end from the beginning! He knows our thoughts before we think them, and our words before they ever come out of our mouth. So the notion that I thought I was filling Him in on how I was really feeling is humorous.
I’ve had seasons, some lasting for years, that I felt hidden. I wondered if the dreams in my heart were really from God, when nothing seemed to change. It’s easy to fall into impatience and even sadness when things in our lives are dormant. When I’ve taken things into my own hands, and tried to hurry up the hand of God, I’ve always been disappointed -mostly in myself.
It is part of “life“ that things are constantly shifting and changing. People, circumstances, relationships – the good, the bad, and the in between. When life throws a curveball what an incredible comfort it is that our solid foundation never moves. He is faithful.
There are days when I wake up, and the sun seems to be shining extra brightly, days when it feels as though all is well. There are also days when troubles, concerns and worries seem to labor against the peace that filled my sunny days. It’s in those days that it literally takes a concerted effort to remind myself to focus on the good. God is so good to me.
Sometimes life can feel like a strenuous, uphill battle. A little reprieve will come, and there you are again, on that uphill battle. It can feel so very lonely and exhausting. It’s OK to rest. In fact, although that rest may feel painful, it might be exactly where God wants you to be. Trust Him. When the time is right, one touch from Him, and everything becomes brand new.
The Holy Spirit is there even when you’re unaware of Him. He’s thee comforter. He’s gentle and He’s strong. He can handle it all. I believe that a praying friend is a wonderful gift. I also know the profound help we offer when we sit quietly and listen to the hurting. Even if all they can do is weep. Even if all they can do is breathe. The quiet presence of a loving friend ushers in the awareness of the closeness, the goodness of God.
