Sometimes I forget who I am in Christ. I forget his great love for me. I forget his affection.
This past weekend I have been reminded of this idea that when things go wrong – or feel particularly difficult – it is somehow easier for me to question God’s continued love and affection for me. As if the love of God is based upon my circumstances!
The weekend was not a bad weekend. In fact, it was a bit longer than usual (with President’s Day thrown in), and there were some fun events to participate in. Yet the weekend still had me questioning or doubting God’s love or presence the moment the pain hit.
Pain has a funny way of making our thoughts and actions irrational. I am not sure what is causing the pain. What I do know, is that it has been my companion since Friday and comes in spurts. When it comes, it is all I can do to keep breathing. It jars my body no matter what I am doing. Standing. Sitting. Sleeping. The pain is intense.
Why is this happening to me? Why doesn’t God prevent it? Heal it? What does it mean?
When things go wrong – especially to our bodies – we can so quickly forget that God is still present. Still at work. Still caring for us. Aware.
Recently, I decided to begin reading through the book of Psalms again for my morning devotion time. I love the book of Psalms, by the way. I love the fact that David doesn’t sugar-coat life. He’s real. He shares the good times and the bad times. He shares times where he is having mountain-top faith, or when he is searching for God in the valleys. I love the Psalms because they are so relatable.
God spoke to me through the Psalms this morning. “I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:1-2) “But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary, my cry to Him reached his ears.” (Psalm 18:6) “He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.” (Psalm 18:19)
God is not distant. He is mighty to save. His power and strength are my protection. He hears me. And God WILL RESCUE me because He delights in me. He delights in me…
I have no reason to fear. I have no reason to worry. No weapon formed against me shall stand. For the LORD God delights in me.
Blessings!