Fighting for hope can look differently given the context. In the latest episode of GraceStory Podcast, Master Certified Mental Health and Life Coach Sue Bowles shared several different aspects of fighting for hope. Including an emotional example of a time when she found herself fighting for hope during her parents’ divorce.
Sue defined hope as ‘daring to believe when everything humanly and intellectually is telling you otherwise.’ She further explained hope as daring to hold God to his word until he shows up. As I listened to hope explained in this way, I was taken back to July 2014 with the loss of my 22-year-old son. I clung to hope as I struggled to breathe, at times, and found myself struggling to make it through each moment. Step-by-step. Day-by-day. That’s how I moved forward.
A friend had advised Sue to watch her steps as she took each one forward. I can relate to that. Sometimes … that’s all I could do. Especially the times I was trying to work through my grief on my own. As Sue mentioned, trudging through in isolation leads to not being able to trust my own thoughts. However, when I chose to share my struggles with one or two trusted people, I made room for God to show up and walk alongside me in healing. God had blessed my family and I with multiple church and workplace families. These individuals and several hundred others that we didn’t know, prayed us through and gave us the support we didn’t even realize we were receiving. The love we received by fighting for hope in community carried me through some pretty difficult days, and continues to as there are still some times when the waves of grief threaten to overtake me.
My Toolbox:
*I’ve seen hope in the past through sharing my struggles with a trusted friend. *I declared that God would use my experience to help others because I surrendered it to him. *I have used what I’ve learned through my loss to comfort others in their moments of grief. *I’m writing a book as a way to continue my healing and help others through theirs. Acknowledge my emotions:
My heart hurts from the absence of my son.
I’m mad about what I’m missing out on with him.
What am I grateful for:
I am grateful for the 22 years I had with my son.
I am grateful for the community God placed around me.
Prompt: Build a Fighting for Hope Toolbox by integrating hope building strategies into your life. Ask yourself and maybe journal about the steps Sue shared in the podcast. 1- Identify where you’ve seen hope in the past? What’s helped in the past? 2- Where have you told God you’re expecting him to show up?
3- How can that experience apply to your current situation?
4- Build on your current situation.
Since anxiety and gratitude cannot coexist, acknowledge your emotions before God AND speak truth and statements of gratitude.
Part 3 of 3 What Can Dahlia and Japanese Knotweed Have in Common?
Inner strength. Resilience. Besides them both being plants and created by God, a Dahlia and a Japanese Knotweed have these two traits in common. Their strength comes from a strong root system that grows over time, producing resilience in the face of storms.
Jesus’ words in Luke 6 verses 46-49 speak to the importance of inner strength and resilience.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
After learning about the Dahlia plant and experiencing the Japanese Knotweed, my perspective began to shift. In God’s providence, I knew he had allowed me on this discovery journey for a purpose.
I was to see my own need to be as determined in my faith as this plant is, to survive. Instead of Japanese Knotweed being the proverbial thorn in my side, I started to see it as a strong representation of resilience.
The Dahlia plant blooms more when it’s cut and is a symbol of inner strength. The pruning that it experiences gives its root system internal strength to not only survive, but also to thrive.
Similarly, the Knotweed’s root system is strengthened every time it’s cut back, cut down, or dug up.
I want to be that determined in my faith journey.
I still don’t like Japanese Knotweed and would prefer it to disappear from my neighborhood. However, I am choosing to view it in life-giving thoughts instead of the mentally challenging ones I initially gave way to.
Resilience in my faith is what God is working in me. This only comes through difficulties and trials. Having the spiritual wind knocked out of me through life’s disappointments isn’t joyous; however, it will make me stronger in my spiritual resolve. Being cut down, like with the death of my young adult son, wasn’t what I wanted in my life; and yet…I’ve noticed on the flip side of the challenges, my faith and determination is stronger.
Maybe an important point to accept is for a strong faith, we need a strong root base or foundation, and to have that, we will need to endure struggles, challenges, and trials.
The truth is: The journey of gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth as a child of God, is a real struggle.
“We look at ourselves in the mirror multiple times a day. There’s the mirror in the bathroom that says the makeup looks good, the hair is in place, and that shirt matches the sweater. There are mirrors at the gym that tell us we’re making progress-or that we’ve got a long way to go.
But it’s not just physical mirrors that are powerful. We each have mirrors within us:
The mirror of a little boy looking up and catching his mom’s first reaction of disappointment.
The mirror of going to middle school, thinking, Wow, I really look cool in this new outfit, and then realizing three minutes later in the hallway that you not only don’t look cool but people are laughing at you.
The mirror of disapproval from a spouse.
The mirror of a boss who says, “You don’t measure up.”
The mirror of a coach or teacher who said you were dumb or lazy.
The mirror of the media that says if you don’t have a perfect body, you’re not acceptable.
These mirrors create a composite picture in our minds and tell us who we are.” Chip Ingram stops there; however, I’m adding that these mirrors also inform the way we view our worth and can foster self-doubt.
Our family of origin, teachers, coaches, and others close to us have a powerful influence on how worthwhile we see ourselves.
Their influences can lead us to see our gifts and abilities.
They can inspire us positively.
Or, their influences can be a source of feelings of insecurity, inferiority, self doubt, or superiority.
Consciously, or unconsciously, we may believe that our value comes from what we can do instead of who we are.
These feelings can lead to unhealthy habits; such as, withdrawing to avoid rejection or overachieving to prove everyone wrong.
We may try to medicate the pain with alcohol, drugs, sex, retail therapy, food, social media, or anything else that may seem to fill the void.
Or, we may give in to living with unfulfilled longings for acceptance and significance.
The journey of gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth as a child of God, is a real struggle.
In Luke chapter 8 verses 42b-48, there’s a story about a woman who likely battled over ten years with self-doubt and longings for acceptance and significance. Luke writes:
“As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”
47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
In an instant, the woman went from battling a condition that left her isolated and labeled as unclean. She was forbidden to touch anyone; or anything that belonged to another. The mirrors she looked into told her she was alone, unclean, unacceptable, unworthy. And there was nothing she could do about it. But wait. She had heard enough about this Jesus of Nazareth and believed he could heal her with just a touch of the hem of his garment. In my mind, I’m wondering about her inner dialogue as she saw Jesus and her opportunity for healing so close to her. It could have sounded like:
“They call me unclean. They reject me. My own family won’t come near me. What if Jesus rejects me as well? What if I touch him and nothing changes? What if, what if? I have to push past this. I have to push past what they say about me. I have to try. I know he can heal me. I’m going for it..now.”
In an instant she was healed and Jesus drew her out of the crowd. It was worth being called out by Jesus because she knew in an instant that she was accepted, loved, healed. The journey to that point was long and difficult. Can you relate to any of her story?
The journey of gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth as a child of God, is a real struggle.
Have you ever struggled with self-doubt? You’re not alone. I’m on the journey with you.
So, how do we get from self-doubt or feeling worth-less to gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth in Christ? I believe our next step is looking past our self-doubt.
Chip Ingram shares in his book ‘Discover Your True Self,’ “Few of us realize it, but much of what we do is an effort to prove our significance, to show that we are important, valuable, competent, or accepted.
Different cultures and families come up with different ways to answer these questions, but the human race as a whole has been brainwashed to believe our significance is not found in who we are but in what we do and what others think about us. We are on a universal search to answer a universal question: Am I worth it?”
God placed within our stories a need to know that we matter, that we are valuable, and worthwhile.
When the mirrors that we have looked into tell us anything but God’s Truth of our worth, our perspective becomes distorted and can lead us into unhealthy habits. These habits can lead to struggles and addictions.
To answer the question, Am I worth it, we may look to one or more of the following:
Success in our careers, achievements, awards, promotions, positions, or through our children’s achievements.
We may look to educational titles, money or wealth, possessions, image or reputation, knowing the ‘right’ people, popularity, or ministry service to God.
Compulsion to perfectionism may come from our need for success and approval. Or, we may withdraw to avoid failure.
Several beliefs can come out of the lie that we are worth-less or insignificant.
One such belief is that of avoiding failure at all costs or believing it’s better to not try than to try and fail.
Another is that we have to work harder and longer to be a success so that we aren’t a failure.
We may believe that if people really know us, they will reject us.
Another belief is that we are a prisoner of the opinions of the important, influential people in our life. With this, we may believe that disagreeing with these people will harm our relationship irreparably, so we attempt to please everyone which creates an unhealthy lifestyle.
Did you recognize ways that you have sought to answer the question, ‘Am I worth it?’
Looking past the mirror of our self-doubt and to the words of Isaiah 43, we learn a part of what God says about how much his children are worth to him.
1 “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” 15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”
16 This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.
Let’s go back to verses 1-3a. This time we are going to personalize the passage to bring it closer to our own hearts. Read the passage aloud. When you get to Jacob, I want you to say your name. Then when you get to Israel, I want you to say ‘daughter or son.’ As we read this, envision your Abba or Daddy saying this to you personally.
1 “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, _________, he who formed you, Daughter/Son: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
To look past our self-doubt requires us to know and accept what our Father says about us. We are his.
The journey of gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth as a child of God, is a real struggle. It’s important to look past our self doubt… to look at God and his plan for you.
How do we look AT God? How can we know his plan for us? The answers to both of these questions are: read, study, meditate on his Word, and pray.
God’s Word teaches us about him. Through his Word, we learn many things about the Lord’s name and character.
He is our Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Peace, Righteousness, Rock, Refuge, Fortress, King, Abba Father, Healer, Sanctifier, Shepherd, Lord. He sees all things. He knows all things. He exists outside of time so he can be in our past, our present, and our future. He is Jehovah Shammah, our Lord who is there. And he’s so much more.
God’s Word teaches us about ourselves. And it teaches us how much we are worth to God. I will let his Word speak…
Revelation 4:11 NIV “You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were createdand have their being.”
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
2 Chronicles 32:8 NIV “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 34:5 NIV “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Philippians 1:6 NIV “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:13 NIV “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV “35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
I want to tell you a story about a little girl. She was the younger of two sisters. She grew up encapsulated in fears and relied on her big sister for a lot. Being only 14 months younger than her sibling, she was always attached to her sister’s side. This precious little girl was fearful because of the mirrors that spoke to her as she grew up.
One mirror told her she would never measure up.
One mirror told her that she always did something wrong so deserved punishment.
One mirror said she was worth less than her older sister.
There were so many mirrors that told lies to her. She grew to believe the lies because the mirrors kept speaking the same things to her.
This little girl grew into a young lady that made many decisions based on the lies she believed from her childhood. She was convinced that no guy would want to marry her because of how horrible she was.
Insecurity plagued her. She was terrified to talk to people, especially the male persuasion. As a teenager she discovered that drinking alcohol gave her courage to talk to people. It also helped her to loosen up so she could have fun. Unfortunately, alcohol also made it even easier for her to go too far with guys she dated. Her fears would kick in and she couldn’t find the courage to say ‘no’ to guys when they wanted to explore her body.
This led to habits she grew to regret and a relationship that just led to feeling even worse about herself.
Fast forward several years. After getting married and having a couple of kids, this young gal found herself knowing she needed to get back to church. Finally understanding what God had to do with her, she began to realize the lies she believed for so many years and where they came from. Over the course of many years God used many people and resources to help this daughter to see him more clearly and to see herself more clearly. She has come a long way on her journey. She still struggles sometimes. She doesn’t have it all together, but who does? She’s still fighting the battle because it doesn’t end this side of Heaven. However, she now knows whose and who she is and that gives her the courage to keep moving toward God and the plan he has for her life.
I am very familiar with this gal’s story because it is mine.
Deep down, I’m still that little girl that was fed lies. Only now, God has armed me with his truth to combat those lies. I am on the journey to gut-level knowledge and acceptance of my worth in Christ.
Will you join me on the journey?
The journey of gut-level knowledge and acceptance of our worth as a child of God, is a real struggle. God told me, “Look past your self-doubt. Instead, look at me and what I have planned for you.”
The mirrors that have spoken lies to us through the years have contributed to our believing that we don’t measure up, we are somehow worth-less, and therefore doubting ourselves.
For more of the story contact Amy at: soulcarecoach.amy@gmail.com
Lately, Hebrews 6:19 has been brought to my attention several times. It has been my experience when this happens, Holy Spirit is working to show or teach me something. In studying this and surrounding verses, I realized a few things. In Hebrews 6:16-20a, we read:
“People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. (verses 19-20a) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. “ (Hebrews 6:16-20a)
Jesus is our anchor. Hope anchors our soul. We walk by faith. These are three themes that seem to reoccur for me in this season of life. Jesus has been my hope and has kept me anchored to God the Father, even through some pretty rough storms. God’s presence has been a constant for me. I can’t always see what God is doing in and through my life; however, by faith in my anchor, I can keep walking toward God knowing He is holding onto me.
I recently attended a women’s camp for a weekend. I went looking to spend time with God and to hear from Him. In God fashion, he poured out more love on me than I could imagine.
The first portion of the weekend I felt as though something was stopping me from fully engaging with my whole heart and mind. This was no good! I asked for prayer with the team leading the camp. During this time of prayer, God revealed to me that I felt unworthy. Once we prayed through my belief of that lie, I was able to hear the Truth from Jesus. He said to me, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” WOW! My heart was instantly full! Because my name means ‘beloved,’ what I heard was I am Amy’s, and Amy is mine. Can I say WOW again!
Later in the same day; during a time of worship, the worship team leader shared a story of how another team member and she had recently written a song. Their plan was to share the song in the opening session of the weekend; however, they had forgotten about it. And then, it didn’t seem fitting to sing it in the second session. She then shared how during prayer; following the second session, Jesus had said to one of us, “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Hearing this led her to know that now it was fitting to share this new song with the group.
My heart skipped a beat. Tears began to flow. I knew the worship leader was talking about me. The lines of the song were me. It was my life. My struggles. I cried through most of the song. Near the end of the song, I heard her sing the words, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” I could hardly contain myself. As the lead singer and camp leader moved away from her guitar and music stand, she spoke the words I can still hear in my ears and feel in my heart. “Amy, God wrote you a song.” Tears, Yep! I am His! He is mine!
Back to Hebrews 6:19-20a. While reading these verses, Holy Spirit led me to “Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. This is found in John 14:6. I began to consider how these two passages were connected. This is what occurred to me:
Jesus is the Way. He is our only direct connection to God the Father. As a ship’s wheel steers the ship towards its destination, Jesus points us to the Father.
Jesus is the Truth. He is the reality of all of God’s promises. God embodies all Truth. A ship’s anchor keeps it from drifting off course. Likewise; but even more so, being anchored to Jesus keeps us connected to God; our Abba Father, through His Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the Life. Jesus has chosen to attach His eternal lifeline to us, giving us True Life. He is our life preserver!
These three nautical items; the anchor, ship’s wheel, and buoy/life preserver, serve as a reminder for me that I am eternally anchored to God. No matter what storms threaten to take me under; or lies that attempt to block me from the Truth, Jesus is my lifeline. He will always steer me in the right direction as I seek Him in faith.
Something to consider: What or who are you anchored to? If it’s not Jesus, why isn’t it Jesus?
On my walk today, I began to consider wellness and how it relates to the seasons. Currently, the leaves on the trees have turned from vibrant green to multiple shades of yellow, orange, and red. It occurred to me that the trees are transitioning to let go of their leaves and prepare for the coming winter season. Fall seems to be a season of transition; just as spring is a season of transition. Fall transitions into the stillness and chill of winter and spring transitions into the vibrancy and warmth of summer. Fall is one of my favorite seasons; I love the colors, the smells, and the warm coolness of the air. What I usually don’t like about fall is the reminder that it brings, of the fast approaching winter that seems to last entirely too long. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays that we celebrate during the winter season; I also love looking out at the majestic beauty of the snow glistening on the trees and the warm blanket that I would probably be snuggling under to keep warm. The parts of the winter season that are difficult for me are the sense of death that I see in the trees as they stand without their covering of beautifully colored leaves, the brisk coldness in the air that keeps me from my regular nature walks, and the emotional down-ness that is caused by my lack of fresh outdoor air. In considering these ‘obstacles’ for the quickly approaching winter season, I decided that it’s time for a new take on an old thought. As nature prepares to transition into winter, so can I. I can start taking small steps to ensure that this winter; and the coming winters, will look differently with a wellness perspective instead of a perspective of dread of what’s to come with the obstacles of snow, cold, and ice. Burrrrr!
I don’t want to look at this with the thought that I am going to be ‘healthy.’ The word healthy always leads to the thoughts of “I have to eat good-for-me foods and exercise like a mad woman.” No, I am going to start with a thought; and maybe a question. In my desire to reach wellness as a whole person; body, mind, and spirit, I know that my behavior starts with a thought so I want to focus on how I think about God, myself, and others. In the transition from the warm vibrancy of summer to the cold stillness of winter, this fall I am going to focus on a few Scripture verses that bring life to my mind and my heart. I have chosen Psalm 46:10, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, and 1 Corinthians 15:57. My nature walks are difficult in the winter because of the cold; however, for my body, mind, and spirit to be well it is vitally important that I spend at least some time outside in nature; I will commit to do this as the weather permits. For the part of focusing on others, I have began to set up times to spend with friends. For most people this doesn’t sound like a big deal; however, for this extreme introvert, I assure you that it takes much intentionality for me to do this because my natural self is quite content to stay in my own home, in my own little bubble. Please don’t get me wrong, I love people and I enjoy being with them; it’s just not part of my natural bent to always be with others.
In a world where we are always running 90 miles an hour with our hair on fire, you may think that there should be a list of steps that I will take beyond what I have already shared. Well, I was tempted to go that route because I am a task-oriented person; but Holy Spirit in me says, “No.” Baby steps forward are much better than giant steps forward only to fall backwards because I am trying to do too much too quickly.
I pray for you whole-being wellness!
Psalm 46:10 NIV
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
1 Corinthians 15:57 VIV
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Lately, I have been thinking about events and situations in my life and contemplating where I believe God was during each of these moments in time. While these thoughts were rolling around in my head, I felt impressed upon me; more than once actually, that I need to share these thoughts with others because so many other people tend to wonder where God is in the hard times. I find it interesting that we; as human beings, tend to see God’s Hand working during the good and great times but think that he is somehow ‘missing in action’ when the hard times hit.
Where was God recently when I was ordained as a Wesleyan Pastor in the presence of my peers and some family members. It’s easy; in this event, to know that God was present in the space because of it being a sacred ceremony ordained by Him; however, I can tell you from the overwhelming sense that I had of the presence of the Holy Spirit that not only was God present but He was working in me and showering me with His Abba Father loving presence in my heart and being.
Scripture: John 15:1-4 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Where was God five years ago when my 22 year old son was struck by a truck while riding his dad’s motorcycle which led to his immediate passing into Heaven and leaving his three year old son fatherless? I could get stuck on this, blaming God and the driver that hit Tad and become a bitter angry person; but I chose not to because God sent His one and only son to earth to pay the price for my sin, how can I blame Him or another human being for an accident. God forgave me long before I was even born for all that I would do through my sinful nature; I can’t live in God’s peace and hold a blaming spirit towards anyone else. So, where was God?
Where was God when my mom suffered and then quickly passed from breast cancer at the age of 56?
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1 ” For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” Psalm 34:18 ” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Where was God when I suffered through much crisis all through my childhood which developed into overwhelming fear and a large insecurity problem and then into health issues as an adult?
Scripture: Psalm 46:2-7 “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Where was God when I was being formed with all my flaws and imperfections? Was I supposed to look the way I do and have the personality that I have?
Scripture: Psalm 139:13-16 ” For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
One of the names of God that is a part of His character is Jehovah-Shammah; The Lord is There. Where was God when I was being formed? He was there. Where was God when I struggled as a child and up into my adult years? He was there; He was and still is, my fortress (Metsuda). Where was God when my believing mom was diagnosed and suffered through cancer and treatment? He is Jehovah-Shammah, He was there with my mom and with myself and with my family. Where was God when my young believing son was taken at such a young age and with a small son? He was there! Where was God when I became His ordained minister? He was there! In all the days and events of my life; from before I was conceived; Jehovah-Shammah my Lord, He was there and will continue to be for the rest of my days. So, when I am struggling and wonder why my God seems not present; I should seek my fortress because He never leaves my presence, He can’t because He is Jehovah-Shammah, The Lord that is There.
Hope's Table 