Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. He will make it as clear as day that you are right. Everyone will see that you are being fair. Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil. The wicked will be destroyed, but those who call to the Lord for help will get the land he promised. Psalm 37:5-9
In the middle of storms and shipwrecks my faith in God feels distant and sadly even nonexistent. These past 4 months…
I have cried out for God to save my dad as he fights to live just another day. While unexpectedly I am faced with saying goodbye to my sweet father in law face to face.
My brother is in prison because of irresponsible decisions, while my brother in law dies from a massive heart collision. We find out about his passing from a stranger in the same ICU room from our fathers passing happened. But wait it only gets better, we are not invited to our brothers funeral. Fighting for our marriage and an indescribable message about cancer.
Life is not without sorrow, sin and sickness. This body of mine has attacked my peace with pain and heavy heartaches within. Dreams go unanswered, the Bible becomes just another book and my world seems out of control as I take another look. Yes my faith is on life support and sweet sleep is rare. It is a chore to take care of myself, much less anyone else. So when the walls of my faith are crumbling down, how do I find my way back when my fading out? I’m screaming His name, but does He really hear me?
I don’t share this with you to bum you out. I share because He showed me how.
As I write this I’m reminded by a sweet text from my best friend, in the back of a picture she sends… “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
Forty-five minutes later my husband made his way home from his 12 hour shift, handing me a cup that says “Mermaids Material” with a bundle of beautiful colorful flowers. It’s not always in the material things, but just look around, you’ll find His love in all the little things: a sweet poem on the bed side table, a cute coffee mug with “Mermaid Material”, a sweet kiss from your little birthday boy or beautiful flowers from the person you adore. Jesus hasn’t forgotten about you, He really does exist. Record the kind deeds done around you and thank God for each one.
-Yes our body will betray us and our emotions will trip us up in this life, but we will be raised to newness.
Death gives way to life. Righteousness replaces sin. Joy overcomes sorrow. Worship and praise mute self hate. Healing puts pain to death. Weakness submits to strength. And Satan is cast into Hell forever–his influence deleted.
Lest we forget; spiritual dryness is never in season in eternity. So be hopeful, heaven is real for who all truly believe.
Pray for the Lover of your soul to water your dry heart with His compassionate presence in the mist of all your life storms. Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe life into you and look for the treasures He’s planted all around you.
-Crystal Jackson