Despite his nicotine stained fingers, unkempt hair, and frayed clothing, there remained a strange similarity in the condition of our souls. I sensed a strong familiarity in his state of brokenness. I identified with his weariness as a result of life's unexpected turns of events. I sensed his desperate need for forgiveness...his longing for significance...his hope for human compassion.
Did anyone see him? I mean really see him? Not his failures. Not his exterior. But...his intrinsic value as God's creation?
Did he feel invisible, too? Did he wonder, how did I end up like this? My soul ached not only for him but for my own life.
Friend, the need for God's intervention is no respecter of persons. We all need to hear His voice and sense His presence. The condition of our soul is not restricted to economic status. Weariness effects each one of us not just tattered street walkers.
As I prayed this morning, I sensed God's loving arm of compassion and tender heart towards us. Listen to God's promise, found in Jeremiah 31:25: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (NIV)
OK...time for transparency...I hope you can handle it and not think less of me...Quite honestly, lately, my FAITH has been assaulted.
Everywhere I turn...the enemy attempts to discourage me, dissuade me from my joy. At times I feel as if I am soaring on the wings of eagles...and then WHAM! I fly square into mountain tops and tumble to the valley below. I try desperately to take flight again...but instead...feel as if snares found in the valley attempt to make lift off impossible.
No. Nothing is wrong. I have every reason to rejoice. But for some reason...I feel stuck. How about you? Can you relate? Are you weary? Worn out? Tired of trying to figure it all out?
If so, don't give up. Hear God's voice, today. Listen to His heart of compassion. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)
Today, I encourage you to join me. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let's boldly (by God's grace) determine to hold fast to our confession, realizing that the only place we can demonstrate our faith is on this side of eternity!
May our prayer be like that of David's, as recorded in Psalm 63:7-8: "Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." NIV
Today, may these simple truths rapture our soul and fill us with Joy:
- We are NOT alone. (Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 1:8)
- We are deeply loved. (Isaiah 43:4-5, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12)
- God will fulfill all of His promises to us! (Genesis 28:15)
WOW!! Julie I have felt that same feeling of the enemy trying to discourage me on every turn. That feeling of being stuck has been one I have felt for a while. Every message, devotional, and word points toward me to be still and wait....but during those times you have to be very diligent in God's word and in prayer because the enemy will use those "be still and wait times" to try and make you feel very lonely and isolated. Thank you for simple truths and God's promises that back them up. You are a precious sister in Christ!
ReplyDeleteTammy
You're definitely not alone in feeling thus; everyone does from time to time. I really dislike the necessity of reminding folks not to think ill of you for going through it. Too many people are unwilling to acknowledge that faith wavers sometimes, yet if faith were easy, it wouldn't be faith.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I too, have felt under attack. My entire family has been under attack. Thank you for sharing so honestly. And thank you for your words of encouragement. I can always count on you to write what I need when I need it. I true God thing! God truly uses you...hope you know that! We've never met, but I feel like I know you. God bless you richly.
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