For the past year, I have been struggling with several serious health issues, including one which affected my ability to eat for many months, and others which have been affecting my ability to sleep at night and function during the day. Needless to say, being in survival mode for so long has truly taken its toll on me. Not sure where I’d be right now if it weren’t for the Lord, and my wonderful husband, and the many dear people who have been praying. I kept dreaming of the day when I could write about how I was all recovered, and rejoice with everyone! I kept waiting until I was all well and had something I could share.
Today with puffy eyes and tear drenched cheeks, I realize I don’t have to wait. I need to write while I am still IN the valley. As I started writing down what I have been learning, I was overwhelmed with how much the Lord HAS been doing in my life. I have learned and grown so much, even if it does not feel like it. Today I share with you in my struggle on this journey, to encourage anyone else who may be going through a really tough time. If we stay open to the Lord, there are always treasures in the valley, no matter how dark or deep.
I am always safe because Jesus is always with me.
The more I let go of what I assumed I‘m entitled to, the freer I am.
Don’t wait until I feel great and my circumstances are ideal to love the Lord, and seek Him, and trust Him with all my heart.
Thank the Lord for everything as if it had been taken away and then given back.
Look for the pinholes to heaven, God’s love messages.
Let the tears, trauma, and other emotions flow out freely.
Deeply receive all the love and prayers from others who care.
The more I smile and do joyful things like sing and dance, the better I will feel. Emotions follow motion.
Be still (stop striving to figure it all our and fix it), and know that He is God.
Sometimes God calls us to rest for a season; give myself permission to rest.
Keep all my senses open to His blessings.
All I need to do is trust God right now, for right now.
Celebrate even the tiniest signs of progress, rather than focus on how far I still have to go.
Sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him has immeasurable present and eternal value.
Take steps to do what is good for me even if it is hard.
Accept the fact that the older we get, the more we will have to release.
Offer love, kindness and encouragement to others along the way. You never know who else may be hurting too.
Remember the cross and our risen Savior, and be assured the best is yet to come.
Ask myself if it would make any difference if I could actually see Jesus with me?
Filter down to what is absolutely essential for me to do, and set aside what can wait or have someone else help.
The more I think about Him and immerse myself in His Word, the more peace He gives me.
Am I willing to pray for others in the way that I desperately need them to pray for me?
Before going to sleep at night, focus on one beautiful moment of the day, and thank the Lord.
I choose my thoughts, and by His Spirit my mind can be filled with hope and peace, rather than dwelling on what I wish were different.
Rejoice in the Lord and His precious promises, even if I don’t feel like it. Eternity IS the schedule, even if it seems like I’ll never make it through the day or night or hour or moment.
Jesus Himself IS the ultimate treasure. He will either carry me safely through, or carry me safely Home. Or both.
