I entered the world of social media and blogging with trepidation. To be quite frank, I still keep myself on the outer fringes, not sure just how “real” it all is. But I am beginning to discover, real connections and friendships can truly be forged here in the cloud. Let me explain.
For the first time in probably all of my adult life, I am without any involvement in a church community. I attend church faithfully, don’t get me wrong. But I am not part of a small group. Neither am I teaching a Bible Study nor participating in one face to face. Transition to a new church is difficult for me.
Seeing as I miss interacting with people, I knew I had to jump in and get more involved or connected somewhere. So I decided to test the waters. I began linking my blog to others, leaving comments on sites as I went. Then I joined a small group with Hello Mornings. Little by little, I discovered people were real. Loving others and investing into lives and ministries was not dependent upon being with them face to face.
This hard season of my life became easier, bearable even, although it was in a sense “quieter”, meaning not out loud. Much of the conversation took place through typing words.
On Monday mornings, I love to curl up on the big red sofa of a blogging friend. It is there, I often find a word of encouragement to cheer me and bring a smile. And this past Monday was no exception as Psalm 131 was shared. I have returned to the psalm often this week, realizing there was more for me there ….
“Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord – now and always.” (Psalm 131: 1,2. NLT)
1. We must hush ourselves before God. David has come to the place where he has stopped telling God how to solve his problems. Instead, he is going to remain both still and quiet until God shows Him the answer. A baby while waiting to be fed, screams with arms and legs thrashing until it gets its way. Then she settles down into quiet contentment.
2. We must become as a weaned child. A weaned child becomes reconciled to a new way of feeding and to new sources of nourishment. May we also be receptive when the Lord leads us to new sources.
3. We will always find hope in God. Children have a natural ability to trust others. As we trust God, we will find ourselves filled with confidence and hope for the days ahead. Trust is not automatic, rather it is nurtured and developed. The more we trust God, the more we will come to trust God.
There is no conceivable situation in which it is not safe to trust God.
(J. Oswald Sanders)Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a know God. (Corrie ten Boom)
We must hush ourselves before God.
For in the hush, we find hope.
And as we hope, our trust in God grows.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Coffee for Your Heart and Thurs. Favorite Things and Hearts for Home .
I am so glad to hear that you have found a place to belong during your transition. And that the big red sofa has comforted you this week (I love Holly’s words as well). Praying that you will get connected into your local church community soon, as there is so much value to be face to face with others as well. And praying that you will continue to rest in Him and cherish His word. Love hearing how the Lord is comforting you! š
Nicki – I am sure the connect will happen sooner rather than later as I long for face to face community š In the meanwhile, the transition has taught some deep & valuable lessons for which I am grateful. I appreciate your encouraging words to me!
I know how hard it can be switching Churches. May God bless your blog š
God is with us in all things, even transitions, and for that I am grateful.
Joanne,
This is so true: “For in the hush, we find hope.
And as we hope, our trust in God grows.” So grateful we met online š
Dolly, grateful our paths crossed as well!
Joanne, thanks so much for the shout out. I’m so grateful for the community that we have here and love for any and all to join us on the big red sofa! So glad that you found comfort in those words and appreciate you sharing it with others. xoxo
Holly, your big red sofa is as big as your heart & has plenty of room for all of us š Grateful for you!
I love your comment that we can love one another and invest in lives and ministries without being face to face! š this is so true! And there is a “whole world” out there ready to be reached by the typing of words. I know Hello Mornings is so blessed to have you! Thanks for this encouraging post!
Ali, Hello Mornings has been such a blessing for sure. I have been amazed at the lessons I have learned in this time of “quiet”. I’m learning that at times He closes doors to redirect our ways & open new ones. Thank you for your encouragement!