Although the past few years have been hard for my family and I, God has used them to bring about needed changes and growth. I have learned more about God’s grace, and He has produced in me a deeper love for others! At times I have faced inner turmoil and wrestling with God. Questioning. Unknown. Fear. Feeling out of control. God and a few of His people have taken the time to help sort through each one. They helped us set it all at the foot of the cross. Our faith has grown.
Faith that He knows everything…even when I can see nothing!
When it rains it pours? That’s what it feels like!
I get irritated when my husband says, “God is good…”
I want to yell, “but this is all so hard!“
Yes, but God is STILL good.
Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,til the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me…God will send out His steadfast love and His faithfulness…“
As I face each day, there are things that need to get done, places to go, and people who need me. I need to purpose to focus on this truth: God IS kind and merciful, and even though it feels like I am hiding in a cave, I’m hiding under the shadow of His wings. (like David in the cave–His situation seemed desperate, but the truth was that he was exactly where God wanted him. Secure in God’s protecting embrace!)
Then there are times I peer into the future. I look around me and see the the way things are and I become discouraged! I look ahead and I become fearful. Stressed!
“Mom, are you stressed today?” How did he know? I’ve not yelled and screamed. I’ve not spoken harshly to him. “It’s your face, Mom. You have that look. You look stressed!” I can’t hide it from my family when I am irritated or carrying those things that are not mine to carry! And I can’t hide it from God either.
“Are you stressed, Gina?” As if HE has to ask! He is not really ASKING, He is drawing me to Himself! “Are you stressed? Why are you peering into the future? Why are you carrying other people’s burdens? Why are you overwhelmed? Why are you concerned about your reputation? Aren’t I big enough to handle all of that? Haven’t I already proven MYSELF to you over and over?”
“Yes, Lord. You have. I’m sorry. Please forgive me!”
He always does!
God is so patient and merciful. And even though it might feel like I am hiding in a cave, I’m hiding under the shadow of His wings. (Like David in the cave. His situation seemed desperate, but the truth was that he was exactly where God wanted him, securely in God’s protecting embrace!)
Securely in God’s protecting embrace!
by Gina at Keepin’ it Real
Holley says
Thanks for this much-needed Monday morning reminder. I remember a season when I felt like I was in a cave and it seemed God whispered, “you can sit in the dark or you can diamond-mine your difficulties.” That made me want to whine but it also gave me a lot of hope!
Lindsay says
Wow… such a powerful reminder of a season we are just coming out of but still has a grasp on our lives… and probably always will because life is never perfect… but God is always good. I remember when we realized that our middle son was going to have the same diagnosis of PDD-NOS (autism) as his older brother… I had a newborn and my husband had just started a consulting business… we were strapped and struggling and alone in a town 4 hours from our family… I actually said out loud I felt like God was smiting us… Yikes… three years, a short sale a stint on food stamps and living with my parents with three boys later… I can say that we are moving on with more wisdom, courage and gumption than we ever had before… God is so good… even in the yucky stuff, I wouldn’t take those years out of our life even if I could… thank you for sharing this this morning!!
Jennifer says
I’m beginning to realize what I thought was a dark, scary place is actually the shadow of His wings. Thank you so much for reminding me that I’m secure in His embrace. This post speaks to the season I’m in. Thank you! Beautiful post!
Beth W says
Gina,
What a wonderful story! I love the part about being in a cave actually being in the shadow of His wings. Life can sometimes be hard, tough, and even a little scary…just remember He is ALWAYS there for you!!
Thanks for the reminder today that He is watching, always caring about us little ones down here!
GINA says
Thank you ALL for taking the time to leave comments and let me know you were encouraged! Isn’t it cool how God uses what we go through to help encourage others? I am just so thankful and privileged to have an opportunity to share here what God is doing!
KEEP CLINGING!!
We’re in the cave together!!!
Darlene (Time-Warp Wife) says
So beautifully said, Gina:
“Are you stressed, Gina?” As if HE has to ask! He is not really ASKING, He is drawing me to Himself!
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) says
You are so right. God is still good even when we feel that life is hard and unfair. I love the analogy of being in a cave and how, when in that circumstance, we can choose to focus on all that feels wrong or we can focus on how God is protecting us and drawing us closer to Him.
Betty Draper says
From one who has hid often in Jesus the way a fugitive hides himself in a cave…it’s the only place really where all else is shut out but Him. Good place to hide when the sky seems to be falling. Safe place which is why the fugitive hides there. Perfect place to hide when God is in the cave with you. Blessing cave dweller.