New Roads, Old Roads and Short Memories.

 

In looking over some old posts this afternoon, God led me to this one. I don’t know who it is that needs to hear it, or maybe it’s just for me, but I pray it will be an encouragement to you as I repost and revisit this thought. God bless.

 

When things don’t go the way we plan, we want to believe that it’s only temporary, and that life will soon return to ‘normal’. But what if the road you are now on, is the new normal? What happens when God creates a ‘detour’ that is actually the new road?

We all want our ‘detours’ to be just that.  A temporary changing of our nicely laid plans, to be returned to the way they were once the time of testing is done.

But God doesn’t follow our plans. Our plans are flawed. We are short-sighted. We don’t have God’s perfect vision. We can’t see so far ahead as to know what may lie in our path.

When God puts us on these new roads, we question Him. We can’t understand why He would choose to take us down a bumpy, windy, narrow and dangerous road. We long for the ease of the ‘old road’. In our minds, we are certain that the old road was the good road. The old road was paved with ease. If only God would get us off this wild detour and give us back our old road. “Surely this is just a detour, Lord?” And we hear His soft answer, “No, my child. This is now the road.”

Why is it we remember the old roads as being so easy and so ‘normal’? Have we forgotten the giants we faced while travelling that road? Why do we remember them better than they actually were?

When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, they began to question God’s love and His ability to provide. They remembered only the good things about the Egypt they had been delivered from.

Numbers 11:5-6 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

But they had forgotten something very important. They had forgotten that in Egypt, they were slaves! There they were, complaining about not having garlic and leeks, and longing for the Egypt they remembered, somehow forgetting the part about being slaves!  What kind of memory is that? Had they forgotten the many times they cried to God to deliver them out of slavery? Their lives in Egypt were far from perfect.

But are we any different than the grumbling Israelites? Do we choose to grumble and complain about the circumstances God puts us in and forget all the blessings He has showered upon us?

The new road God has us on may seem hard and it may seem unfair. But God has a purpose for each and every road He asks you to take. The old road may have seemed less bumpy, but the new road will lead you closer to Him.

Often, when life is easy, we neglect to notice our surroundings. We rush blindly on, oblivious to what is around us. The bumps in the road cause us to stop and to seek God as we question his ways. The twists and turns slowly drive us closer to the Lord. We cling to Him as we know that it is only Him that can help us through.

On a personal note, I know a little of new roads and unending detours.  A few years ago, God took me on a road I thought would never end. He took me through a time of darkness that was so dark I could almost feel the inky blackness. I cried out to Him continually. I didn’t want to be on this new road He had me on. I wanted everything to return to the old way. I resisted, I fought, I cried. I asked for deliverance repeatedly and yet, it didn’t come. I longed to return to normal again. I wanted out. I didn’t want this trial.

God had me on a very difficult road. But He knew that I needed to be on that road. He knew I needed to draw closer to Him than ever before. He knew that by taking me down this new road, I would never be the same. I would seek His face. Morning, night and noon. All day long. I would run to the Rock. I would be driven to Him. I would need him as never before, and when it was all over, I would be walking closer to Him, and I would have a deeper relationship with Him than I could ever had imagined.

I would have new promises from the Word of God to cling to when the waves threatened to overwhelm me. I would have a stronger set of armour to defeat the Devil’s attacks. I would understand more about the things we wrestle with and the importance of being armoured with God’s armour.  Ephesians 6:12

But God in His love and is compassion didn’t leave me there in that dark place. He brought me through. He was there beside me the whole time. Anytime of night or day that I cried out to Him, He was there. Listening. Answering. Loving. His promises held true. The strength He gave me enabled me, with His help, to fight off the attacks of the Devil. To let the Devil know that he had already been defeated and he would never win.

He led me through the way I didn’t know. Through paths I had not travelled. Down a road that was to become my new road.

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

We all know that hindsight is a wonderful thing. I only wish we could have better sight during our trials. But really, if we knew what God had instore for us in the future and the difficulties He would have us face, we would just lay down and die right there and then.

God and God alone knows what He wants you to face, and He knows how much you can bear. And even when you are sure you can’t handle anymore, He gives more grace and enables you to take that next step. One foot after another. Step by step. Moment by moment. He will bring you through.

God wants you to remember His goodness. Remember His promises. His love.

Psalm 77:10-12 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

These verses were a comfort to me during my long road. I had to daily make a choice to remember the works of the Lord. I had to make a choice to meditate on them.

And now, years after coming through to the other side, I have even more to remember. And I have more to share with others. God has helped me to become more sensitive to others’ needs. To show more compassion. To show more love. To desire to reach down a hand and lift the fallen. Where once before I may have shown a callous indifference or even a judgemental attitude to those in dark places, I now see them with different eyes. Eyes that have been opened through hard times. Eyes that now can see what they couldn’t see before.

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

There are so many verses in the Bible that I would love to share with you. God sees what you’re going through. Even if no one else knows the struggles you’re facing, God knows. He sees. He orchestrates. Trust Him. Let Him lead you through. Let Him be the light you follow. Psalm 23 still holds true today as it did in David’s day.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 Don’t let the thought that your detour is your new road be a discouragement to you. Take it as a challenge. A challenge to deepen your relationship with God. A time to draw close to Him. A time to learn. A time to grow and a time to share what God has brought you through.

New roads don’t have to be feared. 

They can be faced with courage!

 

 

 

A Piece of Quiet – 

Dealing with the Overwhelm

 

Let me be honest with you for just a moment. Today has been a struggle. And you know what? Yesterday was too. 

Sometimes, we as fiercely strong and independent women don’t like to admit that we are struggling or that we’re feeling overwhelmed.

But facts are facts. We ALL face the burden of overwhelm at some point and we would do well to acknowledge it, name it and then get busy doing something about it.

I think that often, as women, we get that ‘overwhelmed’ feeling. We try to be the best mothers and wives and homemakers we can be. Some of us have work outside the home that takes precious time away from the endless list of chores that looms overhead as we walk through the door. We constantly feel pulled in every direction and we long for a piece of quiet. Not just peace and quiet. But a piece of quiet. Just a moment. Time to be able to get off the merry-go-round of life for just a little while and breathe. Time to let go of the mental load that we carry. Time to sit and enjoy that sunset. To experience the sound of a melodious birdsong in the quiet of the evening. Or to sit by the ocean watching the waves as they crash onto the shore and take in the warm salty air. 

Life gets so busy, and those peaceful moments never seem to come. We long to have our burdens lifted and the things weighing on our minds taken away. We think that if we could only go away for a few days holiday, that things will be better. Life will look brighter.

But if we really think practically and reasonably, we know that although a holiday is nice, the jobs are still there when we return. The overwhelm is there waiting to descend.

Now, I’m not trying to depress you here. But I am a realist. Let’s not beat about the bush, ladies. This here is the facts. Life is a struggle. Overwhelm will come. But how do we keep the overwhelm from overwhelming us? How do we keep our circumstances from defining us? How do we live in chaotic situations without the chaos becoming part of our being?

We do it with the Lord’s help! You knew I’d say that didn’t you? Yes. The only way we can keep from being totally overwhelmed is by God’s peace. His perfect peace.

I don’t have any great 10 step programs to lead you through or any quick fixes that promise to bring you instant peace. But I do know, through many trying experiences that God is able to do exceeding above all that we ask or think.

Some of you know that I went through a dark period of overwhelm, anxiety and depression a few years ago. What was it that lifted me up from my pit of despair? The one thing that pulled me through was the Word of God. It was God’s promises that upheld me and drew me closer to thim than ever before.

I’d like to share some of these beautiful Words of scripture with you. I know that most likely, every woman who is reading this post is struggling with something. And if you’re not, then you will. Facts are facts. The Bible is clear on this point.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

This verse doesn’t say that you ‘might’ have troubles. It says you WILL. It’s inevitable. But aren’t you glad that’s not the end of it? The verse goes on to say, “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. Praise the Lord! We have an overcomer! And if I could read this aloud to you right now, I would shout that last statement. WE HAVE AN OVERCOMER!

Here are some precious verses found in the Word of God that may be of some comfort to you as you struggle through the storms of life. I pray that God would speak through them to bring peace to your overwhelmed heart.

Read them aloud. Meditate on them. Write them down.

God gives rest for our souls

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

God will guard our hearts and minds

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God is a firm foundation

Psalm 61:2 - From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

God brings peace

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

God is not the author of confusion

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

God will never forsake you

Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

God is strong enough to carry your burdens

1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

God will uphold you

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God will renew your strength

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I was reminded yesterday of a verse that became so dear to me as I cried it aloud to the Lord, over and over again, on a daily basis throughout my time of extreme overwhelm. A very tear-stained notecard sits in my desk drawer as a reminder of God’s goodness to me and His deliverance at my lowest point.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

I want to remind you that not only is Christ our overcomer, but we too can be overcomers. We can hold fast to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ when trials come. We can stand strong in the face of battle. We can put on the armour of God and stand against the devil. We can face the overwhelm and triumph over it.

We don’t have to live defeated lives. We are not fighting FOR victory, we are fighting FROM victory! God has already won! We just need to be reminded of who is fighting for us and who our overcomer is.

We can pass through the waters and through the fire and God will keep us in the safety of his encircling arms of love. He will hold us fast. God alone can keep you from heading into an anxiety spiral that pulls you down further than you want to go and keeps you longer than you want to stay.

The only way you can fully grasp hold of God’s peace is to totally trust Him. To give ALL your burdens to Him. To lay ALL your cares on Him. Lay them at His feet and step away. Leave them there. Don’t pick them back up. Let God lift the weight off your shoulders. Hold to His promises. Read them. Meditate on them. Share them.

And as God brings that blessed peace back into your life and you feel the overwhelm melt away and the joy grow, give Him all the glory and praise Him for the wonderful and awesome God that He is.

For those of you who, like me, need a list of to dos or some practical steps to help you in your moments of overwhelm or anxiety, here are some things that help me.

1.        The very first thing is to PRAY! Cry out to God and ask him for help.

2.        Read over verses that help give you strength and comfort. (Hopefully you have these somewhere handy, so you can pull them up at a moment’s notice)

3.        Pray the scripture aloud, claiming the promises as you speak truth over yourself.

4.        Text a friend to ask for prayer. Make sure this is a trusted friend that you know will stop what they’re doing and pray for you right there and then.

5.        Go for a walk. Get out in nature, get some fresh air and take time to enjoy God’s creation.

6a    Listen to good, Godly, uplifting worship music and meditate on the words. 

6.    Hydrate! Stop and have a drink and eat something. And maybe take a nap. Often what you need is a snack and a sleep (read more on this here: A snack and a nap)

(Another thing I do is to read over some of my previous posts, to preach to myself what I’ve preached to others, because if it helped me then, I know it will help me now. Maybe you have articles or sermons you’ve saved that will encourage your heart – go back to them and refresh your heart and mind)

You may find that as you go through difficult times, other things that you do will that help you. Remind yourself of them and do what works for you.

Keep God at the centre of your life and make sure he is your first port of call, NOT your last resort!

I pray God will bring you the peace you need for each and every day.

God bless xx