Have you ever found yourself in a place of distress that you felt stuck? Literally. I had that experience for the past week or so. Things were so weighty {still are} that I couldn’t seem to find my way. For a second there, I felt so stuck that I began to feel like I was losing hope in believing that things would ever turn around. Productivity? Ha! Forget about it. Peace? Nope, couldn’t find that either. Quiet time with the Lord, didn’t have much of that (which only added to the feelings of hopelessness). I could only muster up the ability to remind myself that GOD IS STILL ABLE to do the immeasurable in my family’s situation. And honestly, sometimes that’s just enough. After all, Romans 8:28 promises us that all things work together for good to those who love God.
God is all-knowing, and He is well aware of our circumstances and the outcomes way before we are - nothing catches Him by surprise. Although it may not feel good, God is faithful to His promises. God also offers hope and joy in the middle of suffering.
I realized I was painting a picture of the outcome from my perspective and was overwhelmed by emotions. I was busy thinking about what could happen, what might happen, and how my family would handle the outcome. It was after a conversation with a dear friend and a paradigm shirt, that I reminded myself the battle isn’t mine, it's the Lords. Instead, I needed to stand firm in faith, continue trusting God in the midst, and cast my cares on to Him (1 Peter 5:7).
I do, however, understand that process doesn’t come easy. Especially as we wait on God’s perfect timing. Below are a few practical steps I’ve done to help me get back to a place of hope in the hard place. And I pray it will be a blessing to you:
I was intentional with…
My devotion time: I got back to waking up and getting into a posture of prayer, worship, and journaling. It helps to set the tone for the day. I also listen to worship music, a sermon, or something inspirational at times throughout the day.
Setting my atmosphere: The dynamics of my atmosphere changed a bit as I dealt with my family's matters. I don’t know about you, but my atmosphere/settings can affect my spirit. Therefore, I had to be mindful of what I was allowing myself access to – ear and eye gates.
Speaking life: I began to declare and profess, out of my mouth, the miraculous that I believe God will do in my situation.
A shift in my thought pattern: I was initially inundated by the thoughts (urgh, our thoughts be in the way!) of how things could turn out, and how my family might be left to feel. But I began to switch my mindset and release the control back over to God.
Our view might paint a picture of the impossible. But all things are possible through Christ (Luke 18:27). Don’t lose hope!
Scripture References
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again. Psalm 42:5 (NLT)
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NLT)
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5 (NLT)
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT).
To whoever is reading this, I’m praying for renewed hope in your situation.
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Love you...Be Blessed!
