God is in the Fog

I love living near the ocean, with mountains in the background.  One thing that's very special is how often the sky and ocean changes.  It can be a brilliant, beautiful, sunny day - and then, out of nowhere, a heavy fog may roll in.  It's always such a surprise.  

I've realized that the same thing happens in life sometimes.  Life can be wonderful - everything calm and carefree.  Then, out of nowhere, trouble rolls in like that heavy fog.  Sickness, financial troubles, relationship conflicts, and all manner of suffering.  It, too, is usually such a surprise.

I've experienced that "fog" over and over in recent years.  Lots of surprises.  But, thankfully, God is right there in the fog.  He is always aware of that fog - and He loves me and cares for me in the midst of it.  He is good and faithful in the midst of whatever fog rolls in.  He doesn't abandon me.  I couldn't make it without Him.  I honestly don't know how people make it on their own.

So many times I've thought of all that Job went through, and yet His faith and trust in God never wavered.  I pray that God will help me always follow his example.

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38, 39

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."  Habakkuk 3:17-19

"I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 16:8

I'm so grateful that the light of God's presence shines brightly in the thickest fog.  He is so good!

Silver Linings

Recently I was communicating with a friend who's entering a season of intense physical treatment.  I remembered something about the difficult seasons I've walked through.  I certainly don't like them - I wouldn't make a choice to go through them - and I find them very hard.  But there's a "silver lining."  Because I walk through them holding tight to the Lord's hand, there have been precious lessons learned that I wouldn't have learned in any other way.

Maybe it's as we participate in the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10) that we can draw close to Him in a special way.  The intimacy with Him, the abundant grace He grants us, and the precious encouragement of His Spirit are unique in the time of trials.  I can look back at sweet gifts He's brought into my life in the difficult seasons.  I relish the closeness of His Spirit during those times.  I feel I grew to deeper levels in my walk with Him.  I couldn't make it on my own, so I had to press in and trust Him in fresh ways.

When I face fresh challenges, it's helpful for me to stop and remember all this!  It gives me strength and courage to face the new overwhelming situation.  He waits to help me, strengthen me, and walk with me on the new road.  He is so faithful!

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."  Psalm 5:3

"I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save."  Zephaniah 3:17

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."  Ephesians 3:16

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when He has stood the test, He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are."  Hebrews 4:15

One trap I've learned to avoid is to think that because I'm serving the Lord and following His voice that I'm somehow immune to trials and suffering.  We live in a fallen world, and there is pain, difficulty, sickness, any number of "hard" things.  We can't avoid them, but we don't face them alone.  The enemy may try to bring condemnation into our hearts because of the trials.  We must stand against that and receive God's grace for each situation.  The trials aren't in any way punishment - they are opportunities for growth and intimacy.

Job is an example of clinging to God in the midst of immense trials.  "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."  Job 13:25  He persevered!  "Our afflictions are designed not to break us but to bend us toward God."  - anonymous

Lighting my Candle

I haven't read "Hinds Feet on High Places" in a long time.  But someone wrote me about it recently.  The Christian embraced the companions the Great Shepherd gave her on her journey - sorrow and suffering.  As she did so, they became joy and peace.

In the midst of big and little struggles, I try to remember that example.  I do often sense the joy and peace that the Lord gives when going through difficulties.  I'm comforted that I'm not alone.  He is with me - even carrying me at times.  I could not make it without the Lord's help.  

I have leaned into His help in a recent difficult situation.  Through no fault on my side, it has been a big mess.  I have been calm, polite, and have tried to respond in the right way......even though I'm frustrated with how it's been handled.  I even sensed the Lord's strength when I had to stand at a desk for a couple hours yesterday working with the consultant.  These "little trials" of life can certainly be challenging!!

"He makes my feet like hinds' feet (able to stand firmly and tread safely on paths of testing and trouble); He sets me (securely) upon my high places."  Psalm 18:33 AMP

"For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall."  Psalm 18:29

"You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way."  Psalm 18:36

"Like it or not, we either add to the darkness of indifference and out-and-out evil which surrounds us or we light a candle to see by."  Madeline L'Engle

I'm trying my best to light a candle in the midst of a frustrating situation. :)