Ever notice that life has a way of unfolding which makes you think? Such has been the case in my life in recent weeks. I am still trying to process it all, mostly through asking the question, “What is this all about, Lord?”
If you’ve shared your circumstances and feelings with those around you, it’s a sure bet that you have heard at least one of these cliches:
- “It will all work out.”
- “All things work together for good….”
- “He knows best.”
Don’t get me wrong, while they’re all true, in the moment – they can fall flat. Empty.
My mom has a way of looking at circumstances which has always amazed me. Her response to anything and everything is by framing it within the confines of time. So she puts it this way … “This time next week, this will all be behind us.” And she truly does discipline herself to look ahead to what will come beyond the pain or discomfort. We all know and hold onto the truth that God can and often does bring beauty from ashes.
So how are we to live on those hard days?
- Worship Him in the now. It may not be easy or painless. Do it anyway. “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.” (Psalm 95:6) Notice it is written in the present tense. Now. And we worship for no other reason than “He is our God!”
- We worship Him with hope. As we stay close to Him, we believe what we cannot see and we know we are under His care. “He is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.” (Psalm 95:7)
“Live fully in today and place your hope in the future God has planned for you.” (Luci Swindoll)
There may be brokenness but we are not left hopeless.
Worship Him Now.
Worship with Hope.
Today I am joining with … Tell His Story and Wedded Wed. and Works For Me and Coffee & Conversation and Wed. Prayer Girls and Three Word Wed. .
Yes. Let’s do everything with hope. Thanks for the reminder. Advent blessings from http://www.flowingfaith.com via Tell His Story.
We always have hope in Him!
Your mom is a wise woman.
She truly is, Colline, and we are blessed that she shares it with us all!
Yes, I agree with Colline: your mom is a wise woman! Worship is so important to getting a grip on our minds when the enemy tempts us with negative, worried, depressing thoughts. Hard days are hard, and it’s difficult to keep perspective. I’m working and praying to grow in this area myself. 🙂
Betsy, we learn & grown through the experiences of life. He is faithful to be with us & teach us. So grateful for that!
So true Joanne. I have learned over the past few years that there is so much joy and beauty to be found when we worship while we are waiting…and sometimes through that experience God changes us in such immense ways that what we were waiting for, isn’t even what we desire anymore. Great encouragement today! Blessings to you. 🙂
Nicki, it’s true & yet amazing how in the wait, He changes our desires. So glad you share that with me!
Do you know the song “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller? That’s what your post reminded me of. Worship while waiting was hard for me, but it’s a lesson I’m glad I learned. God does want us to worship him now, regardless. Thanks for linking up for #ThreeWordWednesday.
Kristin, I just finished listening to the song you mentioned & no, I had never heard it before. But it will be on repeat today 🙂 Thank you so much for mentioning it spoke deeply to my heart. So appreciate you!
Good word, friend!
“There may be brokenness but we are not left hopeless” … Amen. Such a wonderful perspective on worship and oh, He is so worthy of it. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes it is easy to think a situation is hopeless. But we are never left without hope in Him. Thank you for sharing with me!
I love your mom’s advice! It’s so easy to get caught up in ‘it’s the end of the world’ mentality. But in reality, next week, or maybe even tomorrow, we won’t feel the same way. Hope and prayer definitely help!
Anita, reading your thoughts brought to mind Eeyore, who was always unable to see the bright side or hope in any situation 🙂 May we remember that in Christ, we always have hope. Blessings!
Life can be so hard sometimes… I am sorry to hear that it’s been a challenging season for you recently. Through it all you have written about great encouragement found in God, not only for yourself but for all who read your blog! Thank you for pressing through all the hard stuff and remaining faithful to sharing God’s hope! I know that’s not always easy to do… May God bring you breakthrough and blessings very soon – as you worship Him (right Now in the midst of it all) with Hope!
Danise, thank you for your encouragement. It has been difficult but I am truly learning to see Him in it all. We go through difficulties in this life but always with our hope fixed on Him. Thank you for sharing here with me!
Perfect words for me this morning. I will worship Him in the now, and I will worship Him with hope. Blessings!
May we both be blessed as we worship Him today!
Your mom’s quote. … Yeah. I’m going to remember that. Thanks for the great post.
So glad my mom’s quote is something to be remembered. I know it has been not only for me but for my kids, who heard it often growing up. Blessings today!
Late reading this one but God’s perfect timing! God bless you as He always does. This ministered to me and I shared your blog on my wall. I want others to be blessed.
I love you
Mare
And I’m late in replying 🙂 I am grateful the post ministered to you, Mare. Thank you for sharing it with others as well. May you & Alan have a most blessed New Year!
Much love!
Jo