I love these words from The Message translation of the Bible:
If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it.
The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling,"
your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
you calmed me down and cheered me up.
Psalm 94:17-19
Have you ever felt that way? Maybe during a time of loss, a sudden illness or a catastrophic event. It's as if life just sweeps in and knocks you off of your feet. I have certainly had those times.
During the last 9 months our family has been walking that road. We have suffered the loss of a job, a ministry and income, a debilitating illness, struggles in identity, the loss of a church family, and a time of really not knowing what the future would bring.
And yet God! Those three, three-lettered words may form a very small sentence; but they speak volumes about who holds my future.
I can honestly say with the Psalmist, "If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it." I love how he goes on to say, "The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. " God hasn't waited a week, or a month or a year. The very minute I cry out to Him He responds with his love. For the last nine months He has held us fast. He has never let go.
As a loving Father, He consoles me, comforts me, and when necessary calms me down. He takes my eyes off of my situation and refocuses them solely on Him. Without fail, as my focus shifts - He brings joy to my soul once again.
Though the road has been long, the journey has brought me to a place of surrender that I have never been before. I have seen God provide security in insecure times. I have seen God provide peace in turbulent days. I have seen God bring hope into situations that seemed hopeless. And yet God!
Today I just wanted to Praise God and thank Him for this journey! If I had to choose only one word to describe Him, it would be Faithful!
Father, I'm deep in love with you and I'll follow you where ever you lead. Even the hard roads can be sweet when my gaze is upon you.
** Praise alert **
The insurance company approved Randy's Spinal Chord Stimulator today! In a matter of days, his suffering may be over. I praise God that He has answered in His time and that the results of this procedure are in His hands.
My sincerest thanks to all of you for your prayers over the last several months.
7 comments:
thank you for your words today...calming then the joy of the Lord returns :)
it first takes the humble confession, doesn't it?!!
Rejoicing in the news of the insurance approval. I will continue to pray that this will provide the relief needed.
One of my favorite sayings is "but God"...much like your "and yet God". No matter what chaos reigns - no matter what circumstance seems to shake my faith - God is ever and always faithful.
Shalom,
Denise
Oh, praise the Lord!!!!!
Very meaningful and heartfelt post, Lisa!!!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Praising with you for the insurance approval.
I know just where you hae been sister. I think of the song by Matt Redman - "You never let go" - through the calm and through the storm.
I lift you up sister as we all strive to get closer and closer to Christ. As we yearn to grow deeper and deeper in Him.
Much love - Beth
I'm continuing to pray for you dear Lisa as God gives you the peace to cope with your circumstances. You have shown joy, and perseverance, and yes, you have been a great example to me of faithfulness.
Praise God for the approval of expenses for the new alleviation that your husband will soon be having for his condition.
Blessings continue to abound in your life.
beautiful words, Lisa. what an intimate post. Yet God!!! praising Him for insurance news...I know that is a mighty move of God's hand!!!
May He bless you for your faithfulness, sweet sister.
Oh what a great verse!! I loved your thoughts too.
Thanks for stopping by. I liked the quote you shared too.
Have a blessed 4th!
Post a Comment