Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one
who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34: 8
Do you remember the things you picked up on as a child?
Early on I knew my mom’s favorite thing to bake was strawberry shortcake, my dad was a huge fan of Major League Baseball, my sister was a whiz at math, and my brothers would always jump at the opportunity to play ball. Me, all I wanted to do was get lost in a good book.
I learned it was important to hurry home when the street lights came on, do well in school, follow the Golden Rule, and try to figure out what I’d like to do when I grow up. Enormous tasks at the time, I also discovered that things that blindside us such as the harsh realities of brokenness, death and disease, remain unspoken.
I don’t know about you, but for me it wasn’t until much later, that something which would hold eternal value came into view. When I stumbled across that the Wisdom and knowledge found in a close relationship with Jesus was actually possible–for someone not living in a monastery, rectory, or convent, that is, I stopped in my tracks.
What? Prayer, reading the Bible and not just going to church, was for everybody? I wanted in.
And you know something? The changes I made to deepen my spiritual growth were the best things I ever did. It doesn’t always mean that I get things right, but remembering, “Jesus is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1: 17), has allowed me to view life from a whole new perspective.
I have discovered that God’s Word in the Bible is where you and I can find answers to every question we will ever have.
When hurting, I now know, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13: 6).
I believe, too, that Jesus is a Miracle Worker, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Matthew 11: 5).
I realize that if necessary in illness and other cases, “We can rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5: 3-5).
But the bottom line is “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19: 26).
So the next time you wonder about those bigger, more important things you’ve yet to uncover, remember there’s one thing you can know for sure. You can always count on God’s perfect timing and Wisdom found in the eternal Word of God.
Come now my sister, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16).
Let’s pray.
O’ Holy Lord,
Your eternal teachings have helped me discover the amazing power of prayer. Thank you for believing in me, cleansing me, and equipping me with the desire to pursue and obey your inspired Word.
I am trying to see your face in others, and become more patient, Lord. Pausing through the day to keep you as my focus, I see how you are taming my responses, calming my thoughts, and smoothing out my fears.
Your “wisdom which comes down from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3: 17).
I can feel the change, Lord, and “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 146: 2).
Amen.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the Promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
With love and blessings.
For further reflection, compare the big things in your life as a child with what you consider important today. How has knowing Christ Jesus helped you to wrestle with issues as an adult? What passages and experiences have impacted your life the most? Keep the conversation going by emailing me your thoughts, prayer requests, and praises to sue@faithfirstwomen.com
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This reflection was first published in Reflect, Recharge, & Reclaim Your Life: 10 Keys for Women to Deepen Their Faith Through Prayer found on Amazon along with my other book, Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace.
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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