Yesterday was one of the hardest days of of raising my little Karis thus far in her short existence. She decided she did not want to take any of her naps on her regular schedule but rather be fussy and want to be held all day long. Which also makes bed time more challenging because she is extremely over-tired. I lost my patience. I was so frustrated. I could get nothing done or accomplished due to her ceaseless cries for attention.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me…a poor wretched sinner! This was one of those times when the Lord revealed to me that I can plan all I want to have a productive day, and come to find out He has other plans. My baby needed my focus for the day…she needed my love and compassion for the pain she may be experiencing with teething and all, but my focus was so much so on thinking she was getting in the way of all that I wanted to accomplish.
I was crying out to the Lord in my discouragement and two passages of Scripture were brought to my attention by the Holy Spirit.
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5)
I memorized this verse awhile back and it always seems to come to my remembrance at such times. I ask this question directly to my soul, building up my soul verbally. Hope in God! Remember his lovingkindness that has been bestowed upon you. How has He shown His love and care to me in the past? Where had I put my hope now? It was in my own self. In my abilities and hope of accomplishments for the day. Speak the truth to yourself at these times when discouragement plagues your heart and mind. Do not put your trust in yourself or anything of this world. Hope in God!
The other was a passage from 1 Peter that is sung in a song we sing at church. “Through the trials of life You’re working to prove our faith as gold.” (1 Peter 1:6-7) Don’t let the enemy attack your soul into thinking that God is not involved in this trial or struggle. He is intrinsically involved in every aspect of your life. He is always working through every trial to prove your faith. To make it more precious than gold which perishes. It is for the purpose of strengthening our faith and hope in God. To turn our focus from ourselves and onto the great Savior who sacrificed all to bear the sins of the world. The greatest sacrifice possible.
The song continues…“in Your love we’re persevering for one day soon we’ll know. You’ll explode through the clouds, as Your shout cracks the sky. Dead in Christ shall arise as you call home your bride. And though we’ve not seen your face, this greatest glory awaits! Till then by the power of God, through faith we are saved, we are saved!”
Lastly, take hope and encouragement in this passage. Make it your heart’s pray and cry:
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all time, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
~Psalm 62:5-8
