Change is difficult, even when you are in control of it. One thing I know, however, is that my Heavenly Father has my back. Some days that is easy to remember and some days it is not. Last Wednesday was a day when it was not.
I started my morning reading that day's devotional. I'm doing a study with Women's Bible Cafe called Gideon: Your Weakness, His Strength. It's a study written by Priscilla Shirer and available at Lifeway Bookstores or Amazon.
Do you even feel like you are to participate in something but aren't sure why? Well . . . this book is one of those for me. Except I think I'm already seeing the why. I just don't know the outcome of the changes I am seeing around me.
The ending of that day's devotional said:
"End this week by prayerfully considering what it will mean to live out Joshua 24:15. Ask the Lord to give you a holy courage to turn this promise into personal reality. When ready, rewrite the words of this verse in a personal way as a commitment to the Lord from this day forward."
I can't say that was the easiest thing to do. I love change in home decor and those things that are temporary, but life change is difficult. I'm sure you can relate. We've all been there at least once in our life - and will be again. It's part of life.
I spent some time asking God to give me peace and to help us as we try to show God's faithfulness to our boys.
Shortly after that, I needed to run an errand. While driving in the car, it was the first time I heard this song:
Did you listen? Did you hear the chorus?
Even through all my fear and sorrow
Facing a new unknown tomorrow
I'm sure
I'm gonna rest in the hope that I'm Yours
Aren't those great words to remember? It's something we know, but we need a reminder. Often. I believe it was no accident that I heard that song as I began to drive down the road. Even though we know we can trust in God, trust doesn't come naturally. Fear and doubt step in and it's hard to shake at times. Sometimes the fear and doubt are over things we would consider minor. Sometimes . . . they are major. Of course, each of us has our own personal battle - an area where trust may be more difficult for us. Another phrase in the song that resonated with me was the beginning of the chorus:
You are the truth that never changes.
All of us see change in our lives. Some changes are good ones. Some not so good. All change, however, brings an element of stress. Change is an unknown. These words reminded me that while change is inevitable in my life here on earth . . . my God remains the same. His mercy, grace, provision and love are constant. He never changes. There is ONE thing I can count on to stay the same. He's bigger than any problem or challenge I will ever face and I'm HIS! That means, He's going to take care of me.
I felt incredibly loved when I heard the beautiful and encouraging words to that song. I knew that God heard my prayer that day. I was beginning to feel at peace again. I was happy with that much. But . . . there was more.
The next song I heard was this one:
A great message in this song as well. These are the phrases that really resonated for me:
I'm in a desperate place.
I need to share the weight. . . . . .
I was made to come to you . . . .
So often we try to handle things on our own. Don't we? It isn't until it gets bad that we ask for help. We need to remember that He wants to be involved in EVERY part of our lives. Not just the hard stuff.
But when the hard stuff comes, He is there. More lyrics in the song are:
Father . . . I know you can bear the weight.
Often we hear the phrase "God won't give us what we can't handle." I think it's more that God won't give us what He can't help us bear. He wants to share the weight. I believe that is what he is saying in this verse:
Matthew 11:28-30:
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.
The song continues with these words:
You know my heart.
You know my need,
And every single part to me.
So even if it's just to speak your name,
I'm gonna pray.
There have been times when it's hard to know how to pray. I love this part of the song. The Bible says that there is power in Jesus' name. Sometimes, when all we can muster is calling His name, it is ok. He knows what we need. We just need to ask.
If you are a mom, think about how you respond when your children call out for you. Can you remember a time when your child got hurt and all they could muster was a cry for help? We know them and what they need and respond to that need. Why would we think God wouldn't do the same?
The last "love note" from God was as I was on my way home. I have a neighbor that puts religious signs at their mailbox and changes them periodically.
Here was the one I saw on this particular day:
Let's recap.
1. I'm God's child (so are you).
2. God never changes.
3. God can bear the weight of any challenge I (and you) face.
4. God knows my need.
5. God holds my future.
What do you think? Was God talking to me on Wednesday?
I do believe so. :)
I want to leave you with one last verse. It was shared with me several years ago and the words are always encouraging to me.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Maybe, like me, you needed a reminder that God is in control. I hope these songs encouraged you as much as they encouraged me. I would love to hear from you in the comments below or on the Scrambled Tea FB page. Do you like these songs? Are there lyrics that spoke to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.
