It is well
It's been a while hasn't it? I have missed being here and am ready to find my way back. This summer has been one of many outdoor projects for ourselves and our parents as well. It has been good to keep my hands busy. It provides time for my mind to unwind, my spirit to quiet.
I don't know about you all but my heart has been weary these past few months. News from afar of kidnapped girls, rockets fired, a murdered journalist and the beloved fleeing to mountaintops. News a little closer of civil unrest and two grieving families. Even closer news of depression, suicidal ideation, addiction and families torn. So much hurt; so much pain.
In the processing of it all I felt a bit overwhelmed, asking hard questions of myself, of God. Wondering what possible difference I could make from where I sat.
But the thing is, it wasn't about me at all. My eyes had become out of focus. You see, it wasn't my job to figure it all out. It's God's and I was trying to do it for Him. So in my mind, and in my heart, I prayerfully began to place the seemingly impossible before the God of the possible. For it is only at the foot of the cross that real healing can begin for them, for me.
Sometimes we are asked to help, to raise awareness, to donate money, even to go. But this time my job was to be still and know. Know that I serve a BIG God. Know that He is moving in ways I may never understand. Know that He is our unfailing Hope. Know that He is our (beyond understanding) source of Peace.
On a warm and breezy evening a couple weeks ago I sat in that stillness outside. I felt God's love in the warmth of the sun, His touch in the rustle of the bamboo leaves and as the night sky filled with diamond like stars I could hear His whisper: Those stars? I made them for you. I see you. And those same stars that shine down on you, shine down on the hurting, the hungry, and the lonely everywhere. I see them too. I hear your prayers and I am grieving for this world in greater ways than you can imagine. Keep your eyes on me. Trade your pain for peace. Give me your weary heart and I will make well your soul.
- When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,It is well, it is well with my soul.
- It is well with my soul,It is well, it is well with my soul.
(Horatio G. Stafford)
The beauty is when we inhale the peace of God, we are free to exhale His great love - a love that can move mountains...
Tags:
Faith
6 comments
Oh Mindy...this is so beautiful. I, like you, have felt these same burdens, combined with other issues in my own family...asking why and wondering how much longer these things must continue. Of course, I didn't get any specific answers to my questions but I am so thankful to know the One with all of the answers. In my weak human mind, it is so hard to understand all of the sadness and sorrow in this world...but it is such a relief to know that I am NOT supposed to understand it....that would put me right up there with HIM! I love the hymn "It Is Well"...I am so thankful for the peace He gives through it all. Thank you for this encouraging post, friend!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it IS well, praise the Lord! My dear Mindy, it's hard not to think upon all that is taking place - there is so much sorrow and pain going on, yet you have brought it in to perspective and looked at it through God's eyes rather than yours...thank you, friend, for sharing that and giving me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that there is HOPE and PEACE in Jesus Christ and I shall cling to His precious promises. Much love to you, Mindy!
Mindy, your post has touched my heart... Sometimes it is so hard to understand Gods ways isn't it? But, His ways are not are ways, and our job is to rest in Him, and trust Him in every aspect of life. Through His Word we can have the peace and confidence in a Holy and Righteous God, who loves and cares for every soul.
ReplyDeleteMay your heart be blessed in the peace and love of Christ.
Blessings to you, friend.
Debbie
I read this yesterday, Mindy, and it took my breath away. It's such a powerful post and I understand your struggle with the state of things in this world. I find it so overwhelming at times and it worries me that people have seemed to become numb to it all. I can't even begin to tell you how much I needed to hear these words and be reminded that others are concerned about the same things.
ReplyDeleteYou brought peace to my heart, Mindy, thank you so very much.
Hi Mindy! I am so sorry for your recent troubles. It does all seem very overwhelming at times, doesn't it? But you could see that you had lost some focus, and that's such a wise thing to understand. It's been hard around our house too, and I lose my focus too. Thank goodness for blog-friends like you that are honest and faithful. It really helps!
ReplyDeleteI hope it continues to be will with your soul. God certainly came and reassured you, because you are his beloved child. He never will forget you, and thinks you are wonderful and beautiful and complete. And you really are.
Have a blessed Thursday my friend,
Ceil
Hi Mindy, Thanks so much for visiting Counting My Blessings. Life can be hard, and the news makes our hearts ache. What a blessing to know the One who sits on the throne. Because of Him it is well. Always. I would love to have you visit again and join the Friday Link-up. Praying your weekend is blessed!
ReplyDelete