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I must confess…this is challenging to write every day~ needless to say, I have not been able to do it every day. Maybe, though, in my pause for my job/life/etc…it gives you time to reflect on those things you are afraid of and how God can carry you through as He shows in these verses?

Isaiah 12

In that day you will say:

“I will praise You, O Lord. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song;

He has become my salvation.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

In that day you will say:

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.

Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

NIV

The context of this passage is that it was written by the prophet Isaiah. He is known as one of the greatest prophets chosen to speak for God. What he shared was rejected because what he shared in regards to repentance and the lack of was unpopular.

Imagine that…people didn’t want to hear that they needed to change their ways and return to a right relationship with God.

He was called to warn people of God’s judgement and punishment. The resounding cry from his lips was return, repent, and be renewed, then trust in God’s redemption and rejoice.

This particular chapter follows the prophecy of the coming Messiah through the line of Jesse (King David’s father -Jesus’ lineage is traced back to David). Prior to that good news, Isaiah spoke of the Assyrians coming to take the Israelites into captivity.

First, he speaks of horrible, bad news of captivity. In those days, that would mean they were removed from their homes, possibly separated from their families, and placed into whatever place the captives thought those captive would be most useful.

After this devastation, Isaiah declares a promise of the One who was coming to set them free – the Messiah.

Chapter 12 is the promise in the song of praise the people will sing in that day.

These words were spoken, or sung, by the Israelites for centuries as they endured persecution, captivity, oppression while they waited for the Messiah to come.

Jesus entered this world almost 700 YEARS AFTER THE BOOK OF ISAIAH WAS WRITTEN.

So…for 700 YEARS the people of God were encouraged by and chose to sing these words of praise and promise.

They were taken into captivity.

They were removed from their homes.

Their temple was destroyed.

And yet they still chose to believe the promise of God to be true for all those years.

I guess I have to ask this~

How long have you been waiting?

How long have you had to endure suffering?

It is a sobering thought.

Has it been 700 years?

Let’s read Isaiah 12 again…

What words or phrases stand out in this passage?

1. “Although you were angry with me”

This stands out to me because sometimes I feel that way. I feel like God is angry with me…that maybe He is punishing me. Whether that is true thinking or not, it sure makes me feel NORMAL to see others have felt the way I have and have declared those thoughts to the Lord.

2. “You have comforted me”

No matter what I have done, or thought I did, there is NOTHING that can keep the love of God away from me (Romans 8:39). He will always choose to comfort me. The question is, will I choose to recieve His comfort??

4. “I will trust and not be afraid”

Because God is my salvation (the One who delivers me from ruin, harm,or loss) I can trust Him. Will I CHOOSE to? When I trust in the Lord for who He is then I do not need to be afraid.

5. “With joy…”

I like the sound of that.

6. “Make known to the nations what He has done”

Do you declare the goodness of God? Do you tell others what He has done for you?

Do you think about His glorious things when you are afraid or only focus on the fear?

We need to really consider where our thoughts land when we are afraid. As we discussed yesterday, God does not wave a magic wand over you…you have to do your part in the action of faith.

If you say you believe, if you say you trust, if you say you have faith ..then what are you thinking about and telling yourself when you are afraid???

This passage speaks to the praise of God for who He is and what He does when He hadn’t brought to them the Messiah. They give praise because of the PROMISE.

We have the Messiah. Jesus has come. Not only that, we now have the Holy Spirit inside us to empower us, comfort us, counsel us, guide us,and to bring us peace.

If the people in Isaiah’s day, and for 700 YEARS after, could make this declaration of praise in times of trouble….can we do the same?

Our faith takes action on our part! And the time we need to flex those faith muscles is when we are afraid.

SHOUT IT ALOUD AND SING FOR JOY – no matter what your circumstance is- FOR GREAT IS THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL AMONG YOU.

Proverbs 3:25-26

HAVE NO FEAR of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

The book of Proverbs is said to be written as a way to teach people to gain wisdom, for discipline, to know how to do what is right, and to be able to apply wisdom while providing moral instruction through parables, poems, and couplets.

This book is credited to King Solomon as the author with others contributing for its completion.

In 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1, we are told of Solomon (son of David and Bathsheba) becoming king after the death of his father. Both accounts tell us that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and instructed him to “ask for whatever he wanted God to give him“.

I can think of many answers I could have given…

However, perhaps as proof that Solomon was already pretty wise, his response in 2 Chronicles was, “give me wisdom and knowledge that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

In 1 Kings, his response is worded this way: “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

In both accounts, God replied that He would give Solomon such a wise and discerning heart that there would never be another like him.

Discernment is the ability God gives to many people to think and make correct choices.

Needless to say…

If there is some advice given by someone the Lord designated as SO WISE and SO DISCERNING that none other would be like him, I think I’m gonna listen to what he has to say!

How about you??

So, as before in previous days of our lectio divina…now that we know that the words written in verses 25-26 were written by someone IN THE KNOW… let’s read them again together:

HAVE NO FEAR of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE and will keep your foot from being snared.

What words or phrases stand out?

•Sudden disaster

The book of Proverbs may have been written in the day of King Solomon’s rule (circa 970-931 BC), they still have significance today.

Are we or are not in the midst of global climate changes? Are we not living in a time where earthquakes are shaking, hurricanes are flooding, fires are burning, and a plague is roaming???

I dare say there is MUCH to be afraid of as far as sudden disaster is concerned!!

What else comes to mind when the words “sudden disaster” is spoken?

* job loss

*waiting for a diagnosis or treatment plan

*election results

*social injustices

*worsening political or social unrest

*car accidents

*school shootings

I think it is easy to assume that there is quite a bit “out there” that could bring DISASTER into our lives suddenly.

DO NOT BE AFRAID OF IT.

HAVE NO FEAR OF IT.

For the thousandth time, we ask how is that possible? How can I NOT be afraid?

Those things listed are terrible and I do not want any of it anywhere near me or my loved ones!!

The wise king tells us this:

FOR THE LORD WILL BE YOUR CONFIDENCE.

The word “confidence” means to have a firm trust in something or someone.

Another way to say this verse, then, is that the Lord will be your TRUST.

Because we can trust the Lord, we do not have to be afraid.

I think I should write that again…

BECAUSE WE CAN TRUST THE LORD,

WE

DO

NOT

HAVE

TO

BE

AFRAID!!!

How can Solomon, or anyone, tell you not to be afraid of something?

How can he say “have no fear” for the Lord is your confidence and that should make all the difference in the world to you like a magic wand being waved?

I can honestly say that having trust in God is NOT a magic wand that removes fear.

Nor is it by God always removing the situation that is causing fear because I ask it of Him.

Being confident in God, having my trust in Him, Him being my confidence means that I believe in His ability to take care of it and of me in it because He loves me.

What is “it”??

Whatever IT is to you.

If the sudden disaster I fear the most is the results of the election, then I CHOOSE to trust my future to God.

God is my King.

God is the creator of this planet.

God rules with justice and authority.

Jesus still has the victory no matter who “rules” the United States of America via presidency.

If I fear the climate changes that are rapidly affecting the globe, then I trust God to know what He wants to do with creation as He is the One who created it in the first place!! One way or another, He will have His way…and His way is good.

If I fear an illness or a diagnosis, I trust my soul to the Lord. I trust He will give me strength. I believe that He will help me to endure whatever comes my way. I have confidence that He will stay by my side no matter what.

Have no fear…for the Lord is your confidence.

I can stand courageously, with my feet firmly rooted in faith, if I utter those words to myself in times of fear.

Lord,

Help my focus to be on YOU and not on what makes me fear.

Amen.

Psalm 56

Be merciful to me, O God for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps,eager to take my life.

On no account let them escape; in Your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

Record my lament; list my tears on Your scroll – are they not in Your record?

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me! In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows to You, God; I will present my thank offerings to You. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

NIV

“The theme of this Psalm is trusting in God’s care in the midst of fear. When all seems dark, one truth still shines bright, when God is for us, those against us will never succeed.”

David is the author and is fleeing King Saul who is out to kill David for being favored in the eyes of men and God.

What phrases stand out?

In verses 3 and 4 we read this powerful refrain:

When I am afraid I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

I don’t have an army chasing me, do you?

Some of us, though, may feel like we are under attack or persecuted at work or school. That people are on the watch for you to slip up so they can point out your shortcomings.

For some of us, that attack feels more emotional or spiritual. There is a situation being experienced that is causing fear.

Is it an illness that lingers? Or a constant threat of illness that will not lift?

Cancer?

Living alone?

Feeling as if you are alone or abandoned?

Do you need to make a change but the unknown future that change will bring is terrifying?

These verses make a claim in the face of fear…it is not a request asked for God to help not be afraid…

It is a declaration to be unafraid.

Why is David making that declaration? How can he??

Because he chose to put his trust in God…the One he chose to praise.

Again I ask…what are you afraid of?

Look into it…and declare I WILL NOT BE AFRAID BECAUSE I TRUST IN THE LORD.

Still fearful?

Say it again.

Why should that be effective?

Confident trust in something stronger than your circumstance brings courage.

Why?

The focus is now on the STRENGTH instead of the fear.

Because of my faith, I am promised eternal life. What can man, or an enemy or an illness or threat of suffering do to me, if my soul is secure and my God is already victorious??

Does that mean I will have victory over every attack that comes against? Every evil word? Every persecution? Every act of oppression? Every lie?

Does that mean I immune to harm being done against me?

No.

However, in the face of fear, I can rest with confidence that God is on His throne, He knows what He is doing, that He is the master of bringing good out of evil for His glory, that He is continually working all things for His good for those who love Him.

Do you believe in the promises of God?

In the presence of fear that is where you need to claim them!

Just like David did.

Psalm 3

O Lord, how many are my foes!!

How many rise up against me!!

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory and lift up my head.

To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.

Arise, O Lord!!

Deliver me, O my God!!

Strike all my enemies on the jaw;

Break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverence. May Your blessing be on Your people.

NIV

First of all…I LOVE the Psalms!!

Now that that is out of the way, here we go~

This is written by King David; his first born son, Absalom, had decided to take over the kingship before it was his due time. David went on the run when Absalom had manipulated the people into believing that he should be king and not his father. However, as long as David lived Absalom’s rule would be in jeopardy so the “obvious” answer was that King David must be killed.

Psalm 3 is David’s response to being hunted by his own son.

And we think we have problems, right?

Go ahead and read the Psalm again…out loud this time.

What words or phrases stand out?

#1 How many are my foes!

This is not a question. David is making a statement to say, “look how many are against me!!”

We may not have a literal army chasing us, hunting us down to kill us…but we do have things against us, don’t we?

In my own life, this “enemy” or “foe” has been a job crisis…an illness in me…an illness in a friend…a helpless feeling that I have nothing to offer those in need…my insecurities…my anxiety…time constraints (it is hard to be in two places at once, isn’t it??)…COVID…

I could keep going…but, now it is your turn to list what those “enemies” are that are pressing up against you.

To name or define your foe gives you a “face” to fight against.

#2 “many say God will not deliver me”

Wow. Am I the only one who hears that voice in my head?? You know the one…God won’t do this for you…God can’t do this for you…miracles don’t happen anymore…

David is speaking my heart now… I believe Lord, help my unbelief…

#3 ” but You…”

There is NOTHING more powerful in the face of doubt and fear than to utter those precious words…BUT GOD…

#4 You are a shield, You bestow glory, You lift my head

That means PROTECTION, HONOR,and STRENGTH be upon you because of your faith.

Lift your head child…look up…You are protected and not shamed.

#5 I lie down and sleep…for the Lord sustains me

Can you sleep when troubled?

Can you sleep when stressed?

Can you sleep when terrified someone will hurt you?

I have nightmares…my anxiety likes to skyrocket in the dark of night…worries I never knew I had like to wake me up and torture me with their endless circling.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have done one thing in those moments…I sing Jesus loves me this I know🎵🎶

When my son was younger we used to pray against bad dreams and fear…We would dress him in the Armor of God first (that Helmet of Salvation y’all…protection of the mind) and then would pray Philippians 4:8~ to think on good things.

When my mind is protected and my thoughts have been taken captive by good things (praiseworthy, honorable, admirable, etc…) I CAN SLEEP.

Boom. Mic drop.

The Lord sustains me.

#6 I will not fear…

Because I am rested…because I am sustained…because I am protected…

I will not fear.

It is starting to sound like a choice, isn’t it? It seems like my choices and my actions have more power over what makes me afraid than the situation or circumstance.

Whoa. Mic dropped again 🎤

#7 from the Lord comes deliverence and blessings

Where does my help come from?? It comes from the Lord.

The only thing I did not focus on that I need to mention is a very important part to all of this…David trusted in God and trusted that God heard his cry…

Psalm 3:4 tells us that David cried aloud to the Lord and the Lord answered.

Take captive your thoughts and think on good things not only on what you are afraid of.

We need to do our part in the face of fear, in the presence of our enemies, in the pressure that is tightening around us…

Remember that you are protected and sustained.

Cry out honestly to the Lord and then listen for His answer.

Today’s verse is almost a continuation of yesterday’s from Deuteronomy. Today, we read from JOSHUA 1:9~

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

NIV

Although the words are similar, the context in this verse is different from yesterday. This verse is God talking to Joshua.

Yesterday, we discussed that God had told Moses that he (Moses) would not be accompanying the Israelites into the Promised Land…therefore their fear was directed at the unknown future in a new place without their trusted leader.

Therefore, the beginning of the book of Joshua is the telling of the death of Moses.

Not only would Moses not lead them into the Promised Land, but he has now also died.

Joshua has been Moses’s understudy for all these forty years as they wandered through the wilderness outside the territory of the land promised to them.

Joshua knew Moses and knew God. Moses had commissioned Joshua as the new leader of the people in front of the people. The people knew, and Joshua knew, that he (Joshua) was chosen by God to step into this position that he had been training for.

In Joshua 1:5 God very clearly tells Joshua that “as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”

Joshua is now the leader of over 2 million people.

Joshua is also deeply grieving the death of his leader, mentor, and friend.

The people are deeply grieving the death of Moses.

The people are also on the cusp of a take-over of an occupied land that they believe God has promised to them …those living in that territory do not agree.

Joshua is in serious need of encouragement.

Let’s read the verse again…

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where you will go.

NIV

What words or phrases stand out?

#1 The emphasis on have I not commanded you: God is reminding Joshua of what He had already said.

As a parent, I find I say “didn’t I already tell you that??” “Remember when I told you this?”

Sometimes I need to be reminded of what I was already told…that what I am currently hearing is not something new.

#2 The same words Moses spoke are the same words spoken here by God: Be strong and courageous.

Isn’t it reassuring when we hear someone else speaking in agreement with another you know and trust? Many times we may say “my dad used to say that”….”my doctor told me the same thing”…”I heard my teacher mention that”…

#3 The same encouragement given by Moses is spoken by God – don’t be terrified, don’t be discouraged.

#4 The reason why to not be scared? God will go with you.

Even better than Moses declaring this truth as a comfort for his absence is God telling Joshua that “I will go with you WHEREVER you go”.

It is reassuring for my mother in law for me to tell her that her son will be coming over to help her with something… However, it is a whole other level of comfort for her to hear those words from HIS mouth instead.

What is better?

Moses telling the people and Joshua that God will be going with them?

Or

God Himself telling them so…?

Kind of a no-brainer.

The question now is what does all this mean for ME when I am afraid??

In this circumstance it is important to remember that the task ahead was to do something big and bold, scary and daunting…and they needed to do it while uncertain and grieving.

There are too many times when we need to step forward in faith into an unknown situation…it is so hard….it is even harder when we have no idea what the outcome of that situation will be like.

There are too many times when that step of faith occurs when we are hurting…or because we are hurting.

Circumstances demand action.

Action requires energy.

Energy is not always readily available when the soul is weary.

What do we do?

Do not be terrified or discouraged.

Why?

Because there is nothing you will have to do alone.

You are not alone.

You will never be left alone.

Even when you cannot see another in your line of vision, you are still not alone.

The One who is with you does provide courage.

God is the God who shut the mouths of lions in the den for Daniel.

God is still the God who climbed into the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

God is still the God who released the shackles in the prison while an imprisoned Peter and John worshipped.

I will go with you wherever you will go.

Take comfort in those words.

Define what they mean for you.

“Lectio Divina” is the Latin term for studying Scripture. I am challenging myself to a 31 day mission of study…and you, my faithful readers, get to accompany on this journey.

I plan to take a passage from the Bible that has been suggested to me on the subject of fear.

Let’s clear our minds and begin…

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Day 1

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.

To start, I must remind myself that this is Moses talking to the Israelites prior to their entry into the Promised Land after their 40 years of wandering.

They will also be entering it without him.

In verse 1 of this chapter, Moses announces to the people that God has clearly told him this news. Moses knows he needs to commission Joshua as the new leader of this nation so he is encouraging them all as they prepare to move forward.

For perspective~

Moses was the chosen leader by GOD.

Moses performed many incredible miracles in God’s name.

God spoke directly to and with Moses.

Moses was the first leader this Hebrew nation had had in a very long time.

The people were going to be moving into a new place without the incredible man of God who had led them this far.

They were facing an uncertain future in an unknown land without the leader they had grown accustomed to following and whom they trusted implicitly.

Let’s read the passage again…out loud this time:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.

The words that stand out to me are do not be afraid or terrified because of them…God goes with you…He will never leave you.

I read once that an act of courage only occurs when that act is done in the face of fear.

Being strong and courageous means there needs to be a component of doing something when fear is present. Being brave is not doing something outside of fear…it is inside it.

That being said, God is acknowledging through this passage that there are things we fear. He knows that about us. Moses knew that as well.

#1 There is no shame in having fear or being afraid.

What we DO in the face of that fear is what He wants to address with us.

The words “of them” and “for He” are pretty powerful in this passage. There are many “them’s” to be afraid of aren’t there? It could be the unknown future, an illness we are facing, a hurt that is pending on the horizon, a past abuse…there is much that we could honestly confess “I am afraid” about.

What am I scared of? What brings me fear?

Something bad happening to my kids.

Failure.

Personal suffering through my illness.

Rejection or embarrassment.

Grief.

I am sure there is much more.

I am told…do not be afraid or terrified of THEM.

I am told, instead, to be strong and courageous in the face of what brings me fear.

HOW???

The Lord your God goes with you and will never leave you.

#2 The big question is: what does that MEAN for me for the Lord to be with me?

Do I trust Him?

Do I believe He is who He says He is?

If I say YES…can I be strong and courageous?

If I say YES…can I do what it is I need to do even though I am afraid?

Is my life reflecting that YES?

Am I serving the Lord amidst my fear or am I living in isolation?

Am I rejoicing IN the Lord or complaining?

Am I moving forward or am I chained to what could have been but is not what is?

Be strong and courageous for the Lord goes with you.

Lord,

Help me to be strong in my fear. Help me to find strength when I do not think I have enough. Help me to trust You to be with me in all ways, in all things, in all places. Help me to believe that in Your perfect love there is no fear.

Amen.

Life is hard.

These days are strange.

This stuff we are doing seems difficult.

We’re stressed.

It’s complicated.

These are phrases I’ve heard and said a lot lately.

Sound familiar?

Why now?

What next?

These seem to be the phrases that could easily follow our laments of frustration and despair.

We are living in troubled times…there is no doubt about it.

Are you like me and wonder what can I do to ease the burden of suffering that so many are experiencing? That I am experiencing??

What could I possibly to do to help??

I read an interesting piece of advice found in the book of Isaiah…as you read it, pray that the Lord will help you to open your heart to Him to be examined….

*this is some serious cause and effect stuff here….*

Isaiah 58:9-11

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;

You will cry for help, and He will say, “Here I am.”

If you take away from your midst

1)the yoke of oppression

2) the finger pointed in scorn toward the oppressed or the godly

3) and every form of wicked, sinful, unjust speech

AND IF

4) you offer yourself to assist the hungry

5) and satisfy the need of the afflicted

THEN

your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.

AND

the Lord will continually guide you AND satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places.

AND

He will give strength to your bones~ you will be like a watered garden or like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

If you are wondering why your burden doesn’t lift…you cannot find peace…your grief remains unbearable…your hope out of reach…why God feels so far away or doesn’t seem to hear you …

I have to ask:

Have you called out to the Lord for help?

Have you acknowledged those who are oppressed and done anything to help them?

Have you stopped judging other people because their situation may look “better” than yours or their views are “different”?

Have you assisted in the care or needs of those afflicted?

Are you speaking words of kindness or only of complaint?

We must seriously look into ourselves and see where our hearts need to be cleansed and our opinions need to be challenged in order to truly recieve what the Lord is offering.

God is NOT a genie in a bottle to do as we command. His answers to our prayers may well be found in the blessing we receive when we help His people.

Stepping outside of ourselves takes intentionality.

Being involved in other people’s affairs can be messy and time consuming.

However, focusing only on what I need or my pain or my sufferings limits me to what kind of healing God provides as He uses me in the midst of my troubles to further His Kingdom.

These verses are a clear cut example of do this and get that promise of God.

Our salvation is free, but the promise of an abundant life these verses offer is up to us to achieve.

Luke 18:35-43 tells the story of Bartimaeus. He is a blind man that kept hollering out to Jesus as Jesus was walking by.

Jesus heard the man calling out to Him and ordered that the man is be led to Him.

Therefore, Jesus knew the man was blind.

Once the blind man was near to Jesus, Jesus asked him a question…a loaded question…a simple question…a question with an obvious answer….

What do you want Me to do for you?

Jesus knew this man was blind and yet He still asked to be told what the man wanted.

Jesus wanted the man to say it out loud to Him first.

The man’s obvious answer?

Lord, let me regain my sight.

Vs 43 tells us he immediately regained his sight.

How many times do we assume God knows what we want from Him?

Is it because we have asked a thousand times before for the same thing?

Is it because what we need is as obvious as a blind man’s desire to see?

Jesus asks of us the same thing~

What do you want Me to do for you?

Be honest.

Be real.

Be consistent.

Don’t settle for what you don’t really need.

Get to the heart of the issue and ask for it.

Be persistent in your requests.

When our desires are in line with God’s will and good plan for both you and His Kingdom, He will say:

Your personal trust and confident faith in Me has made you well.

Our role, while we ask/wait/recover is to

Praise God

Glorify God

Follow God

Honor God

So all the people, when they see it, praise God too.

11 years ago today, my family was robbed of a precious sister, mother, friend, and daughter by alcoholism.

She was so much more than the disease that took her from us!

Since then, my eyes have been forced open to see the brokenness that exists in this world we live that feeds into the desire to escape.

I had been living my life in a way that reflected an acceptance to “this is as good as it gets, so it doesn’t matter what I choose to do in excess”…be it drinking, eating, shopping, tuning out to the world around me with technology…if that’s as good as it got, her death and therefore life, shouldn’t resonate an impact on me.

However~

What she did, DID matter…who she WAS meant something…

Her legacy is NOT the alcoholism that took her zest for life, love, and laughing.

Her legacy IS her life:

that showed us how to be parents when we had no one to watch do it,

who had such pride in the nursing care she provided to her patients,

her love, that made me feel like I was her sister,

that loved her brother more than herself,

that wanted nothing more than to please her parents,

who worried how well of a job she was doing at raising her kids,

her unrestrained laughter that was so loud it made you uncomfortable in public because people would turn and stare,

her ability to get everyone to do the silliest things on a dancefloor,

play on slip and slides, cartwheels in the yard,

dance parties in the garage..

My life matters.

Your life matters.

Our choices matter to those around us: someone is always watching..be it our children or a stranger on the street.

Alcoholism still plagues my family: it is always hanging in the corner of my mind where deep fear likes to hide and it most certainly likes to surface and challenge us…

However, because of what we lost, I was forced to look for meaning into her life, my life, life in general.

I found hope, healing, and peace in the Lord who comforted me when nothing else could.

I found restoration and forgiveness in my home because of the unending love He has shown me no matter what wrongs I have done which helps me to forgive the hurts I too have received.

I found a release for my fears because I know who has won the final victory and there is nothing my Savior can’t overcome.

My eyes have been opened and I am continuing to choose to learn lessons from all my experiences.

I now love more deeply and simply…

I have learned how to find hope through telling my story of grief and to listen to others while I choose to walk their journey with them.

I am not perfect. I will continue to struggle as long as sin is still present in this world…

but my sister taught me to ask for help, to not live alone and closed off, to enjoy life and not reside in despair, that I don’t have to be perfect because perfection is unattainable and soul crushing..

I just have to be the person I alone was created to be in His image….

Thank you Dee.

If you are hurting or know someone who is grieving or suffering through am addiction…There is help. There is hope.

We were made to live and abundant life.

We were made to live through the heartache with a Helper at our side.

We were told we would never be alone.

One verse that is an absolute favorite for me is from Psalms 34:18.

Cling to it.

Memorize it.

Tattoo it.

Treasure it in your heart.

The Lord IS close to the brokenhearted and SAVES those who are crushed in spirit.

Hang on. Pain ends.

How many times have I spoken like Martha~ “tell them to help me and DO THEIR PART!”

I worry so much over what needs to be done.
I have been known to keep a bitter eye on those who I think could help out more.

Ever been there?

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha…you are worried and anxious about SO MANY THINGS but only ONE THING is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part that will not be taken from her”.

Mary chose to SIT STILL and BE with her Savior.

If I am not careful, my days can fill up so fast; my hours pass quickly with a rare minute to spare. The next thing I know is another day is gone and the next is about to begin.

I find myself questioning:

Is that THRIVING or EXISTING?

There are moments where tasks MUST GET DONE, but is that every moment of every day?

Taking the time to sit with my Savior

(reading His Word, admiring His creation, praising Him for His glory, thanking Him for His blessings, talking to Him about those things that have me anxious and worried)

allows THOSE TASKS to be better prioritized and more easily enjoyed.

Go figure.
Doing “nothing” makes doing “something” easier.

I guess it depends on who you’re keeping company with when you decide to BE STILL.

#maryandmartha #luke10 #bestillandknow #castyourcares #wearyandburdened #anxietywarrior #anxietysupport #anxietyrelief #thisishowifightmybattles #thischicksinpeace #busywifebusylife #momstruggles #morningwiththelord #timewellspent