It has been a long two and a half months since I have sat at the computer to write. I have experienced and continue to navigate through a number of extended family crises. In September I began a 9 week health journey that included sinusitis, severe bronchitis, and pneumonia. It has been an uphill battle back to health.
God remained/remains faithful through it all.
In the middle of my own health storm, there were times all I could do was cry out, “Lord help me.” In response I was continually reminded of Psalm 46.
Verse 1 of that psalm tells who God is.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
He certainly proved Himself as my refuge, when all I could do was rest in His arms, without even a voice to pray.
Verse 7 tells us that we can place our trust in God, no matter what storm we face.
“The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7 NIV
As our fortress, our Lord Almighty is sufficient protection from the darts of the enemy. This does not mean that we will not be buffeted by the winds of grief, illness, sorrow, distress, etc. It does mean that we can trust the Lord to protect our hearts and minds with a peace that passes all understanding.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV
Finally, I was continually reminded to be still as Psalm 46:10 states.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
It was as if our Heavenly Father whispered, “Hush child, be still, I’ve got this.” Whenever I got caught up in the “shoulds” of life—the ministry calls I had to cancel, the newsletters that didn’t get written, the classes I had hoped to teach that never materialized, etc—He reminded me that this work I do is His and He is in charge. He is the one who will bring it all to pass.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
I have missed you, Dear Ones. I have missed writing to you, talking with you, and praying with you. I am thrilled that as we embark on this season of Advent—preparation for and anticipation of Christmas—that I am able to sit here with you.
I pray that in whatever you are facing in your life right now, you see God’s hand at work.
I pray that you too, are able to be still in order to experience God as your refuge and help, to feel Christ’s peace, and to rest in our Lord’s Presence.
Because sometimes that is all we can do.
And that is enough.