I have been feeling like God wants me to share from my heart. I can talk about things, recipes, procedures, children, etc. But share my innermost thoughts? That’s a different thing altogether. One thing that I think holds me back is my fear of judgment from others. Or fear that I will hurt someone’s feelings if I share my heart. I’m really not sure what I would share at this point in my life but I will say that I am exploring the thought and trying to be open to whatever that brings.
I wrote the above paragraph over a month ago. Things were going along pretty smoothly. I was recovering from surgery which gave me a lot of time to read, do projects and visit with loved ones.
I am now back to work and in the middle of struggles on all sides. I have been a weepy mess lately. We have suffered several losses. Dear friends of many years passing away too soon, young people we knew during their teen years leaving this earth unexpectedly. And other losses. Life is oh so short and precious. Make the most of it! That is so much easier said than done.
How can I make the most of my life? Following God first, loving his people, and loving those the Lord puts in your path.
Following God carries me to the peaks and to the depths and stretches me beyond what I thought possible. When I am at the peak it is hard to keep my feet upon the earth. When I am in the depths I know he will rescue me and bring me out! How do I know? History. My history with God.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 46:4 ESV
Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
John 16:33 ESV
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
After we have been through some struggles it is a bit easier in some ways to know that we will get through the next one with the Lord’s help. It builds our faith and our strength. It still hurts but we know God will carry us through! Thanks Amanda I appreciate you sharing!
The entire eighth chapter of Romans is a reading of encouragement and hope. I think one phrase in an often used verse is slighted, The phrase, “for those who love the Lord” is important to claiming the promise that all things are working together for good. For those who love the Lord and are trying to follow Him, it should be a great comfort even if they never realize the good that He brings about.
When we disappoint ourselves by not living up to our desired behavior, 1 John 1:7 is a great verse to remember as we repent, get up and try again. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Thank you for your words of encouragement and pointing out the phrase “for those who love the Lord”. Love you!
I can truly relate to this. The past 2 years have been the hardest of my life. I’m learning to stop and thank God for my struggles, to breath deep and know he has me no matter what takes place in my life. I look back and see so many lessons I have learned and he has truly carried me through. Great post!