During the past few years, some very challenging situations which never resolved, acted as an acid that ate away the mortar between “bricks in my house”. Figuratively speaking, of course, I am speaking of the “walls” of some long-held relationships and expectations. Expectations of certain people with whom a positive relationship HAD been in place, therefore it was not unrealistic in assuming them.
When my “season of sorrow” began (referring to my last entry of July 10, 2019), with a serious car accident, cancer diagnosis, losses in our family, and serious illnesses of very dear friends, it was as if a strong hurricane-like wind, blew those loosened bricks apart. My “house” seemed to fall apart. By God’s grace, the presence of a loving husband and close family, and a new, strong Christian church and friends were still present and very much intact, but inwardly the unresolved situations and now the newly experienced health concerns took me into an emotional “valley” I had not previously experienced.
I sought and tried to do all the right things so that everything would “be all better” quickly. But, it hasn’t been a quick fix. The verse, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalms 127:1a NASB) strongly came to me. It was as if the Lord was telling me that HE would be rebuilding it, and in HIS way and time frame. Of course, I will do what I should do, follow all of His (and good medical) counsel, but our American mindset of getting things done fast and now had to be put aside.
Much time is spent in prayer, being in His Word, and in fellowship/and worshipping our Lord with other strong Christians. The Lord is gradually rebuilding my “house”. In rereading the story of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, I saw how there were enemies of Nehemiah and the Jewish people, who did not want the walls of Jerusalem to be rebuilt. They repeatedly tried various ways to sabotage this process. But, God was the One who enabled and encouraged/strengthened the people to complete the task! Nehemiah writes “…when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (Neh. 6:16 ESV) Our “enemies” may be very different, but ultimately it is the enemy of our souls behind it all, who is like a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10a). Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd tells us that He came so that we “may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b ESV)
Sometimes, we are badly “burned” by people (even other fellow Christians) leaving us deeply wounded. It might be a totally different set of circumstances that cause you to feel you are being “broken apart” and wounded, but the Lord is the solution for ANY set of circumstances! I know that can sound like such a cliché and platitude… until you have been in one of these places of deep discouragement, and have known Him to faithfully rescue and strengthen you!
Jesus promises us His Holy Spirit, to “guide us in all truth” (John 16:13). Trust Him to figure things out, to perhaps lead you to the exact scriptures you need, or to a wise, Christian counselor. Ask Him, and trust Him!
Dear Lord, Help us to trust You to lead us and direct us, when everything around us seems to be falling apart. Help us to not just impatiently forge ahead to fix things, only to be “laboring in vain”, but to wait on/for You to guide our steps! In Your name I pray, Amen.