"I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place." Psalm 31:7,8
There's just something about knowing that God sees my troubles! Sometimes it's just the little trials - a flu bug hitting the family, a disagreement that brings irritation, disappointment with myself, fatigue, and unfinished tasks. God is concerned and interested in my "small" problems. Nothing is too small for Him!
Then there are the bigger trials - the ones that cause anguish. Anguish over heartbreaking loss, tragic events, serious illness, broken relationships, devastating sin and the injustices of this cruel world. He sees it all and understands what we go through each day. He doesn't just look on and watch to see how we'll survive! He comes right alongside us and helps us through each difficulty. He steadies us so we can keep getting up every morning and caring for our families and other responsibilities.
I love the idea of Him leading us into a "spacious place". We can feel so hemmed in by our circumstances, so powerless to change the trying situation at hand. As we put it all in God's Hands, He allows us to feel that we are free and peaceful, even if the circumstances don't change.
During the Christmas season there are many happy moments and the anticipation of joyful events, but I still need the reassurance that God has His eye on me and is always there to help me. I feel so incredibly blessed to know the true Gift of this season, Jesus, who loves us so much! Christmas cards will bring us wishes of peace, love, and joy. Amazingly, all of those are ours in Jesus. When the moments of perplexity or doubt or weariness come, I will calmly do a reality check! My God is aware of everything that has come my way and He is ready to help in every situation!
written by Joy Herman
Thank you for the encouragement, Joy! It is such a good reminder to remember to put it in His hands and check in with Him in every circumstance.
ReplyDeleteI am reading this 2 days after it was posted but 2 days later was exaclty when I was suppose to read this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy, I really needed this today.