An unexpected medical diagnosis.
Unemployment.
Divorce.
Losing a loved one.
Drug addiction.
Chronic illness.
An affair.
A prodigal child.
During different seasons of our lives, we endure dark times, after all, we are reminded that in this life we will have trouble.
But we are also reminded in the second part of this verse, we are to remain at rest and live in peace. (John 16:33)
It’s hard to keep this perspective when you are waist-deep in the quick sand. And with every step, you seem to be sinking deeper and deeper.
But alas, there is one lifeline that keeps us going: hope.
Hope is a confident expectation that something positive is going to happen.
I know it’s hard, I’ve been in countless quicksand traps myself, but hope is a choice.
sunshine, I want to remind you that as a believer, you’ve already watched the last scene of the movie and read the last chapter of the book; your current sinkhole moment is simply a plot event that will allow the audience to leave with a heart full of peace that the glory and victory have finally been revealed.
As you memorize this week’s ABC verse Psalm 40:2 [H], recall hope as the trigger to remind you that during various dark times in your life, He has lifted you from the ditch, the mucky mud, and He has strengthened you to stand without falling.
As you commit this verse to memory, make a list of the ways He has redeemed former situations that seemed full of despair and hopelessness, yet He heard you and rescued you with an everlasting love.
On one half of the paper, write the situation; on the other write the outcome, including the lesson you learned.
Powerful stuff, sunshine.
You will be amazed.
Offer prayers of thanks and praise for the strength you found in Him and a peace that could not be achieved any other way than to go through, not around the sinkhole.
And for a little extra study, read The Message version of Psalm 40; the words are powerful and His name is glorified through our muddy circumstances–always.
With love for a week filled with hope and gratitude for the muddy moments,
Frannie
P.S. Feel free to share the powerful awarenesses after your journaling experience. I would love to lift up your praise alongside of you! |
