These things consistently keep fluttering around in my brain while laying in bed, when I’m getting ready in the morning, when I drive to work, when I’m cleaning up, when I attend showers and graduations, when I think of applying for jobs or look at our student loan bills… some of which truly weigh heavily on my heart, a some are just brief moments of question and concern. I try to keep these feelings and thoughts at bay by focusing on God’s truth, His promises, His blessings in my life and my own responsibility for keeping my emotions in check. But this has been my recent journey and conversation with God…
God,
I really feel “misled” sometimes. I say this because it’s the only way I know how to. You obviously know my flaws. You know I'm capable of being stubborn and lazy and mean at times. But you, of all people, also know how much my heart desires you. You know how much I love you and how many times, despite mental/emotional chaos, I’ve still trusted. I have security in knowing you’ll never leave me or forsake me and for that I’m so grateful. You are always ‘there’ for me (here for me) when I need you most. There are definitely days though, when despite searching and seeking and praying, I don’t feel a clear answer from you.
I also wonder why (when you have presented me with a clear answer) you can be so quick to take it away. It hurts so badly sometimes and it makes me question, not necessarily your goodness, but your direction in my life. More so than that, it makes me question my ability to interpret your direction. How am I to know if I’m on the right track if it feels as though the leading that I’ve been following has had less than desirable ramifications?
I think (and thought) that I've done almost everything in my power to make wise choices. I seek wise (biblical) counsel, most with differing opinions. I’ve tried to fill my mind with your truth. I’ve talked to you consistently, gotten involved and made steps toward seemingly open doors. So, what am I missing?
I also wonder why (when you have presented me with a clear answer) you can be so quick to take it away. It hurts so badly sometimes and it makes me question, not necessarily your goodness, but your direction in my life. More so than that, it makes me question my ability to interpret your direction. How am I to know if I’m on the right track if it feels as though the leading that I’ve been following has had less than desirable ramifications?
I think (and thought) that I've done almost everything in my power to make wise choices. I seek wise (biblical) counsel, most with differing opinions. I’ve tried to fill my mind with your truth. I’ve talked to you consistently, gotten involved and made steps toward seemingly open doors. So, what am I missing?
Jed say’s ‘patience’
…I need to learn patience, but I know it’s much deeper than that. I’ve been very patient before. I am capable of waiting and hoping. You saw me do it for years. You know that it’s not the waiting that I’m afraid of, it's waiting that won't lead to clarity.
I suppose that I'm supposed to stay where I am right now, until you show me otherwise. But I’m frightened by the idea that when you finally do show me, I will love it... If I'm too comfortable or want it too much, then you’ll take it away... and my heart will be broken, yet again. I know it’s a ridiculous fear (so selfish and over the top perhaps) but I end up fighting that feeling all the time.
…I need to learn patience, but I know it’s much deeper than that. I’ve been very patient before. I am capable of waiting and hoping. You saw me do it for years. You know that it’s not the waiting that I’m afraid of, it's waiting that won't lead to clarity.
I suppose that I'm supposed to stay where I am right now, until you show me otherwise. But I’m frightened by the idea that when you finally do show me, I will love it... If I'm too comfortable or want it too much, then you’ll take it away... and my heart will be broken, yet again. I know it’s a ridiculous fear (so selfish and over the top perhaps) but I end up fighting that feeling all the time.
I also can’t help but feel as though I've gotten reprimanded for following what I truly thought was your direction. Like... going to college. A big, no huge, “step if faith” in the financial department has left us in quite a predicament. Like, working really hard and then getting physically sick and tired. Like... finally getting position within my field and then getting sick again. I could barely focus and my hormones were out of control. Like... having surprise positive pregnancy test and then… no baby. What does it mean? How am I supposed to feel? What conclusions should I draw?
Were those things wrong? In those cases, was the hardship a consequence of not following your direction well enough or was it simply a test? Was it because I wasn't thankful or excited enough? I really thought you led me in all of those things. I really did do what I thought was best, according to the information I had.
It's hard to see your perfect timing in it all when you seem to specifically allow something, but take it away. (Even if it's just the hope of something). I know it’s not much to pay in light of the incredible blessings you give, but even the slightest dissolution of these hopes can really begin to break down the spirit.
Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever be ‘sure’ about decisions again, full-knowing that you’ve orchestrated it all. I felt it when meeting and marrying Jed. I knew, without a doubt, that we were best for each other, best with each other, and that we could serve you well as a team. But God, I’m so desperate for peace now too. I’m desperate to feel hopeful and at ease with choices and/or with standing still, if that’s what you want from me.
Were those things wrong? In those cases, was the hardship a consequence of not following your direction well enough or was it simply a test? Was it because I wasn't thankful or excited enough? I really thought you led me in all of those things. I really did do what I thought was best, according to the information I had.
It's hard to see your perfect timing in it all when you seem to specifically allow something, but take it away. (Even if it's just the hope of something). I know it’s not much to pay in light of the incredible blessings you give, but even the slightest dissolution of these hopes can really begin to break down the spirit.
Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever be ‘sure’ about decisions again, full-knowing that you’ve orchestrated it all. I felt it when meeting and marrying Jed. I knew, without a doubt, that we were best for each other, best with each other, and that we could serve you well as a team. But God, I’m so desperate for peace now too. I’m desperate to feel hopeful and at ease with choices and/or with standing still, if that’s what you want from me.
I haven’t lost hope though, and fear hasn’t overcome me. But God, I’m having a hard time feeling at peace. I'm so anxious. I know your truth, and I do believe it. I’ve clung tightly to your truth this long and I’m so grateful that you’ve always brought me back to you when I decided to wander. You delivered me when things completely crumbled and I’m so grateful for the blessings you’ve given me. These ridiculous girl feelings make it hard to function sometimes though. Mental chaos isn’t very becoming for a lady following after you. It’s not that you feel distant or uncaring, God, just vague.
Masters degrees, masters degree, new jobs, family planning, save money, spend money, pay more, enjoy some now or always plan for later? ...So many questions.
I think you are telling me to wait. I don't feel peaceful about spending any more money and I don'twant to make the same 'mistakes' as before (regarding loan debt). I think you are allowing this anxiety within me in order to (subtly or maybe not so subtly) show me your timing.
Please help me know that you are concerned about the seemingly small things in my life. They compile to make quite a mess in my mind. I know others are dealing with pain and grief and uncertainty and they desperately need you, but I need to know you are small enough to tend to my heart and big enough to tend to those I love too. Help me see the obvious and give me the clarity I'm so desperate for.
Please know that I’m so grateful. I trust you. I love you. And I’m hanging on to your every word.
I really need clarity of mind and heart. I know it’s a lot to ask, and it takes a lot of work on my end... but I know you are more than capable. I’m trusting that your plan is perfect, that you are teaching me, growing me, making me new, and whole, and lovely. I’m trusting that instead of taking a 'step of faith', that my 'lack of stepping' will prove to be most faithful in our situation.
I think you are telling me to wait. I don't feel peaceful about spending any more money and I don'twant to make the same 'mistakes' as before (regarding loan debt). I think you are allowing this anxiety within me in order to (subtly or maybe not so subtly) show me your timing.
Please help me know that you are concerned about the seemingly small things in my life. They compile to make quite a mess in my mind. I know others are dealing with pain and grief and uncertainty and they desperately need you, but I need to know you are small enough to tend to my heart and big enough to tend to those I love too. Help me see the obvious and give me the clarity I'm so desperate for.
Please know that I’m so grateful. I trust you. I love you. And I’m hanging on to your every word.
<3 Me
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; Psalm 37-23
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