This has been a difficult month for me personally. It's not so much that something tragic has happened in my own life, but rather it has reached in to the lives of many I love. I'll spare you the details, because they are not mine to share.
I had forgotten in the busyness of my home and family, that there is a real battle going on. Real people with real hurts will either find the hope of Christ or the chaos of despair. I've been reminded that Satan is the father of lies and prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour. I've seen the tears of hurt and betrayal. Sin has never looked so ugly to me.
This verse keeps coming up again and again. Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
To realize anew that the LORD is over all these hardships has been my peace. I know that He is just not passively watching over all these troubles and shaking His head in pity. He's not standing by until things get REALLY bad to sweep down be the big hero. Rather He is actively delighting and quieting and loving and rejoicing and singing over those who are persevering in faith through the hardest of times. This has become my joy.
7 comments:
Monica, This is a beautiful heart felt post. In many ways, I could have written this. I would have to change the time frame to 6 months though. I am watching my parents, after 37 years of marriage, go through a divorce. I had no idea how far reaching the pain of divorce can be until I have had to feel it first hand.
It is devistating, pure and simple.
I love the second paragraph. You have summed it up perfectly with your words. Satan is the father of lies and seeing him destroy brings such sadness, but our joy is certainly in our heavenly Father.
I will memorize that verse.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You have encouraged me.
Monica, you have such a wonderful spirit. Even though I know things are tuff for you right now, you are still lifting your face toward heaven and are giving the Lord your all. You are so encouraging, no matter what stage in life you are in.
Thinking of you...I appreciate your thoughts here.
I appreciate your honest thoughts and refreshing perspective. What a blessing you are to those around you.
So. . . you must be on the count down too? I hadn't counted the weeks, but appreciate you sending the offical numbers. Something to look forward to! Are you guys doing anything special for Spring Break?
Wow, I just had a chance to read this, and appreciate your encouragment...even in tough times....I especially needed to be reminded of that verse in Zephaniah! Thanks!
Monica, I'm sorry for your pain and loss. The sting of sin never gets easier, does it? Yet our victory is sure.
Brooke, I am so on the countdown! Sean has been hard at work this year- he's occupied most weekends and evenings. It's been good, but it will be a relief when summer comes. I'm planning on being done with school in early May so that I can get some major things checked off my list before summer officially starts. I want to play tennis and go to the pool:)
It is hard to see the ones we love go through hardship. I think it is harder to watch others go through things than it is to go through it ourselves.
I am so sorry that this evil has reached out and entrapped your loved ones. We will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
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