"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
“Okay, God, so you want me to be of “good cheer” when bad things happen in the world or, more personally, to my world?”
I am reading a great devotional “Dear Jesus” by Sarah Young. It seems that when I read it, it fits with what I am going through in the moment. Not every time I read it, but most of the time. It addresses my struggles, fears, insecurities and all that life can bring. I am encouraged by this devotional and I am reminded of the things that are important. I am held accountable through this book revealing that sometimes my heart is not where it needs to be and I need to shift my focus on the one true person that matters: CHRIST.
One morning I woke up with a heavy heart. I just did not feel settled. I prayed before reading it communicating to God that I needed to hear from Him; that I needed positive encouragement. He most certainly answered my prayer. The devotional hit me so deep and so personal that it overwhelmed me. I was moved to tears and in deep prayer. I love these moments of clarity and peace. His presence is so strong in these moments that all the things that clutter my mind seem to disappear. I feel safe and secure. I can only imagine that these moments could be similar to when I am face to face with Him in Heaven. I feel that this is why quiet time is so important. It is not because I feel I will get in with God’s good graces, but because it is healthy for me to feel this close to my Heavenly Father. It is therapeutic. These times nurture the relationship with Him. It also helps me tackle my day.
This morning’s reading is about experiencing trouble and distress in this world. “Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world. Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.” You mean to tell me that I can face problems and adversity with good cheer through Christ? This is incredibly encouraging that Christ can help me see the good even in adversity. If I trust that He is moving me and in my heart, this can happen. It also reminds me that this world is not my home and that I will always feel a sense of discomfort while I am here. However, while I am here I will live a life leaning on and praising Him through all circumstances. He will not allow me to handle trials and tribulations by myself. I do not know about you, but this is very comforting! It has taken a season of grief for me to get a better grasp on these truths. I am continuing to learn how to focus on Him and His promises. I am certainly not perfect because I am human. I still do not understand at times, but I am much closer than I was before. It reminds me of Christ’s disciples. He had to remind them over and over again of who He was and what He was about…they sometimes didn’t get it. It is almost comical to read the dialogue between them. You can almost here Jesus saying, “you guys still don’t get it…seriously?!” How great is it that He is so patient with us. Oh, how I can relate with his disciples.
I will be honest with you; things are going really wonderful for me right now. I have a God that loves me, a husband who adores me, a baby on the way, supporting and loving family/friends, a roof over my head, an opportunity to finish school and so many other things that I could list. What more could a girl ask for? However, I know that trials and tribulations will come in this life, in my life. God is teaching me His promises so when these trials do come I can face them head on with Him. I can trust that He is going to take care of my loved ones and me. That I do not have to fear these things that may come and assume they are going to happen. I can enjoy my life right where it is and take in every precious moment and breath God has given me. He will work the good and help me see the good in every situation. I will not be afraid and I will walk each step that God wants me to take. I do not have to look very far. He has shown me how to walk with Him through tough times. He has fulfilled His promises so why would He stop now?
I am reminded of this sweet baby that will be here in about two months (boy, time flies). I am not going to fear what could happen, but praise God for getting this baby and us to the point we are now. I have enjoyed every single moment with this little one and have been incredibly excited throughout this pregnancy. A year or so ago, I never thought this moment would come so quickly and I would actually be enjoying it. I had hope that it would come, but not so soon. My plans were to finish school and then we would cross this bridge (God obviously had different plans for us). It seemed like such a hurdle, but it’s here and I can’t wait to experience this pivotal journey of being a mother. I thank God for the peace, comfort and strength He has allowed me to embrace. It is the spiritual blessings that are going to get me through this life and allow me to experience “good cheer” during life circumstances. I am so happy that God has my heart and is taking care of me…no matter what happens. I am so grateful that He has overcome the world!
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