We live in a world where pain exists daily. Some try to eradicate this pain with greed, suicide, bullying, drugs, alcohol, sex and so much more. This is NOT the world our perfect God desired for us. But He allows it. We know God as a Holy God (Isaiah 6:3), a Righteous God (Psalm 7:11), a Just God (Deuteronomy 32:4), and a Sovereign God (Daniel 4:17-25). So how do we reconcile this?
When I was little my older brother told me if I kept digging I would reach China, and I believed him! My brother had pain, yet he didn’t dig. Today marks 5-years when he stopped digging, and now, I only go so deep when I dig. It hurts to go to deep. I cannot stand days when I have to deal with my pain. Pain that has been pushed down so deep I’m not sure if I’ll ever reach China. Now, I just want to reach Heaven and be with him.
I’m talking about digging into myself – pulling up the mire and muck down in the depths of my soul
where only sadness and darkness reside. Then I read Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” And I remember the day of my salvation, when God reached down and pulled me up and told me “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. And I think of all that has happened to me and give praise to God that I can hold on to Habakkuk 3:17-19 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.”
What does that mean? It’s about faith. Faith to trust our Almighty Father God in all His wisdom no matter the circumstances. Yes, I can trust that God will give me what I need to climb today’s mountain. And when I stop digging, to pause, and look upward, I marvel at all His Glory and I know His Peace is with me.
You are not alone, nor do you need to ever feel lonely. For God, my friend, is always with you. Keep the faith and trust in Him.
Maria Wilson is an ordinary person with a passion for Jesus. She strives for peace of mind from a chaotic past and looks for ways to bring God into daily lives of others as a source of reassurance, not as a series of rules and commandments. She is married, has two boys and lives in Yardley, PA.
Hey Girl, God is smiling on you today. Admitting our past “haunts” can be difficult! I’m so blessed to know you, read “your” word and drink from your wisdom. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for your life. Rock on Girlfriend! I’m so proud of you. Peace out, Sandy
Great post! It is amazing what we can overcome when we have Jesus for our friend. All we have to do is answer His call. He will never disappoint nor forsake us. So grateful He abides in you and you in Him. Praise and glory be to God!
Amen!
Beautiful Maria! I’m sure writing this was another way to “dig deeper” for you. I love how you are so brave in your writing and how you have turned to God for your strength and peace. Love you!!!
You make my heart smile, Karen. Love you too sistah!
This really hits home with me. Im digging right now. Somedays its so painful I can’t move or take a breath. Days that just pass like the wind and wonder where did it go. Days that my tears is like a thunderstorm that will never break light. Moments that when the people that you thought would hold your hand have left you alone in the dark to sit in my pain alone. Internal pain is hard and easy to hind in this world with a smil or Im fine, but inside the pain is real just like another other physical pain. I know God hasnt left me thats what keeps me going. The days that are to hard to move I know he carries me. He has never left me.
Oh that pain is so very yucky! Praise Him for bringing you to this posting, and thank you for sharing. You are NOT alone. We are here to help you get through this treacherous terrain. Please know that I am praying for you, along with all the others in this ministry.. We are lifting you up to our Savior, Jesus Christ, because He understands perfectly what you are going through at this very moment. And yes, Dear One, He is carrying you, and He is with you every step of the way, even when it feels like He is not.
May you find rest as you listen to this song, “Come to Me” sung by Kari Jobe and linger in it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvzznNAcL24
May you find His peace, His rest, His joy, as you sit on His lap and soak up His love for you..
Prayerfully with you, Maria
Great post. Love all the scripture verses we can turn and cling to. Wish I had learned way earlier I was never alone!!
Thank you, Linda, for taking the time to send along a bit of encouragement. Peace. Maria
Written with the voice of one who knows the Shepherd. Well said, Maria!! May God bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
Andrea, so nice to hear that my message was well received. Thank you for your encouragement too! Peace, Maria