From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2
I was a single mom having a difficult week emotionally. I woke up everyday agitated, frustrated and short tempered. I prayed, I cried and I complained to the Lord about everything.
After all, doesn’t His Word give us permission to complain?
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. Psalm 142:2
But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones… Jeremiah 20:9
All three of my children are coffee drinkers and all three like to drink their coffee the same way – black with no sugar or cream. This is funny to me because I am not much of a coffee drinker at all unless it is Christmas time and the coffee has peppermint and whipped cream in it!
But one thing I do have in common with my children and how they drink coffee is that we all like it hot. In fact, a barista helped me find that right temperature to ask for when I come into the coffee shop during my holiday visits.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
I desperately needed a break. I was physically and mentally drained from work so I went to sit down on the sofa for just a few minutes.
But once I sat down, this long To Do list started rolling through my mind. How was I going to get it all done if I just sat there?
The list would not stop playing in my mind and needless to say, I reluctantly rose up, and tackled that To Do list!
This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. Exodus 12:2
I just wanted the year to be over. The struggles were great, the obstacles many and I felt utterly defeated.
I prayed and thanked the Lord for His blessings throughout the year but I also thanked Him that the year was going to end and I humbly asked Him for a better new year.
And then the Lord reminded me of this passage of scripture in Philippians:
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. II Corinthians 9:15
Most of the presents were opened and wrapping paper was scattered all over the floor as the children excitedly played with their new toys.
The few presents remaining under the tree were to be opened later by other family members. But what if no one else wanted to open their gift?
That would be sad since I took the time and thought to carefully choose a gift for my loved ones.
Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: Psalm 144:1
I sat there in the audience among thousands of people, my heart filled overflowing with pride for my oldest son.
He had joined the Navy and had just completed eight long weeks of recruit training (formerly known as boot camp!).
My two children and I took a flight into Chicago to be a part of the ceremonies and to spend precious time with my son before he went off to his first assignment.
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 2 Samuel 22:31
A few years ago, I had to have surgery that kept me home from work for several weeks.
I was absolutely terrified of being put under with anesthesia for the procedure but I was left with no choice. I had to have the operation.
All the nurses, doctors and staff assured me that everything would be fine and that the doctor had done this type of surgery many times.