Some of us are finding it more difficult to readily offer thanks this time of the year because…
LIFE IS HARD.
My husband and I are facing a very difficult circumstance of job loss right now. We have no direction, although we have prayed and prayed and poured out our hearts to the One we know can change our circumstances in a second.
Waiting is the most difficult thing to learn to do well. I am convinced of this. My frail bravado of spiritual maturity can falter so very quickly when I am not given a clear cut plan but only a “wait and trust Me” directive. I was trying to explain to Rob (my sweet hubby) why I ponder all possible scenarios. I love security. I do not like to not have a plan. Maybe it’s a female thing. At least I can start to wrap my brain around a plan I do not like, but no plan…that leaves me feeling helpless and afraid.
My eyes of faith can quickly become blind to what God is doing in me during the wait.
So what do I need to do when I cannot possibly understand what my Jesus is doing?
The Lord told His people in the Old Testament over and over again to remember what He had done for them in the past. What is the benefit of remembering?
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. Psalm 77:11
The benefit is…remembering!
Bringing to mind how many times and how many ways, large and small, my God has been faithful to meet ALL our needs (not just the big ones) in Christ Jesus lifts me from the pit of fear and depression like no other discipline I know. Reciting out loud precious promises from His Word calms my anxious heart. Remembering His provision in the past allows me to understand in my uncertain present that there is no road so crooked or dark that He has not perfectly planned out for me to not walk in triumph and not fall to my demise stills my racing mind in the dark of night.
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] andmake [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified Bible)
And so I wait for my Jesus to show His perfect plan in His perfect power in His perfect timing. He knows what is best, no matter what that plan involves.
Lord, help me to be faithful in the wait. You have a perfect track record. You have never failed us. Not ever. Help me to wait well for You to show Yourself mighty in my difficulty.
Great is Your faithfulness!
