My family and I have been making a certain request to the Lord for over two years. Last week He answered. And the answer was "no", or at least, "not right now."
And even though I know so well the truth of His providential care of us, that He is always doing what is best, this answer felt like a kick in the gut. I had put too much hope in a "yes" answer instead of in God Himself.
The Lord is our Shepherd, and He leads us in the paths of righteousness, not leaving us to ourselves. What a mercy this is, even though we are often clueless about His ways.
One of my favorite books of 2013 was Stephen Altrogge's The Greener Grass Conspiracy. In this passage, he reminds us that it is God who knows what is best for our souls:
In Psalm 23:2-3 David says of the Lord, "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Notice that David doesn't say, "I plot the best course for my life. I am the captain of my ship. I will go wherever my heart desires." David realizes that God is his shepherd, his captain, his leader. God will lead him to places of rest. God will restore his soul. God will lead him in righteousness.
We're convinced that a particular thing will bring peace, order, and restoration to our souls. We look around, and we see other people who have what we want, and they look so happy. They skip down the street holding the hands of their little children. They gaze into the eyes of their lovers. They smile as they mow the lawn of their new five-bedroom, four-bath, three-car-garage house. Meanwhile, our lives seem so whacked out and dysfunctional.
But we really don't know what's best for our souls. If God allowed us to follow our own plans, we wouldn't end up on the paths of righteousness that lead to still waters. We would end up in empty, barren wastelands of sin and destruction. God is the one who restores our soul. Sometimes he restores us by giving us what we desire, and sometimes he restores us by withholding it. In either case we can be assured that God knows the best path for us and that He'll lead us on that path.
With love,
Trisha
Making Your Home an Oasis
3 years ago
Hi Trisha,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for a while and have enjoyed your family from afar. I love your photography. Today, your message was just what I needed to hear...I too have suffered a huge disappointment and even though I know better, I was experiencing all of the emotions that the author talked about...everybody looked so happy on Facebook! Thanks for the encouraging message and may God bless you and your family this Christmas and always!
In His Grace,
Debbie
Debbie, I'm so glad you commented, and thanks be to God that you were encouraged by this post. May the Lord continue to bless you contentment in your circumstances and give you a heart overflowing with praise for His wise and perfect care of us. Hugs!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear the answer was no. It's still hard for us grownups to hear it. But I do trust that God knows better, and I hope you are making peace with that as well. And I can tell you, the grass is not always greener. After 1 year on the "greener" side, I still wait for this house to feel like my old, small, cramped "home".
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend. Much love to you!
DeleteI'm sorry for your disappointment Trisha, but I'm thankful for your reaction even though I know your heart must be hurting. We too have had the "no" answer recently and i have not always responded so well. I want to FIX it...and NOW! :( You are correct that each and every circumstance is for our *good*. He loves us! There is nothing happening outside his glorious will, that is not for the good of his children. Also...can I make a blog request? Would you write a post with a list of what you have read this year and list your favorites? I am going to do this, but alas, my list will not be so impressive ;)
ReplyDelete