I found myself in a funk Friday, a melancholic mood of sorts, which slipped into Saturday. Similar to most days, people expect the jovial and joking Jeremy and so I smile as usual, carrying on with the day’s activities as if everything is normal. Behind the façade, however, my mind is racing as it analyzes (/over analyzes) every nuanced detail.
Specific details of the recent situation are irrelevant; the response received while discussing with others, however, is one that sparks a whole other dialogue. On par with the standard exchange between two people seeing each other for the first time on any particular day:
Person A: “Hi, how are you?”
Person B: “Good. How are you?
Person A: “Good”
…the response I receive from seemingly pious persons I share remnants of my personal life with is similar, “Let go…Let God”; standardized. My personal belief is prior to (not post) agonizing over something, supplication followed by confidence the Lord will work the situation out, is what should happen; admittedly that’s easier said than done.
Those that make this blanket statement (although I genuinely hope they do so grounded in faith and with the unequivocal belief letting God take control is the right answer), I find make it without much thought. **But just some food for thought so hopefully when you think to say it, you mean it. **
Nonetheless, the adage above, an answer to a situation where a solution (or even a clear understanding) continues to escape me, was at the forefront of my mind most of last night and through this morning.
I won’t begin to pretend I know how to, or always have, let go of a situation stepping back letting the Lord work it out. Whether that’s evidence my faith is waning or proof God’s will isn’t being accomplished because of my own arrogance attempting to resolve a situation myself, this concept is a continual point of struggle with me.
Nevertheless, I’ve gone to the Lord in prayer, or in heated homily, many mornings driven by anger that a job didn’t materialize, a relationship ended, finances weren’t sufficient for current and future plans, and a host of other intimate thoughts. There are typically tears streaming down my face as I end the prayer leaving me feeling both emotionally empty while religiously renewed. It’s in those rare moments I realize emotionally letting go liberates and letting God gives strength.
Disappointment is inevitable and some things are just outside our realm of understanding, but within those moments, listen to the still, small voice impressing you to “Keep Praying Kid”.
…Let God.
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This is a very insightful post.
ReplyDeleteYesterday @ church, pastor preached on knowing who GOD is for yourself. Inspire yourself to know GOD. He said a lot, but what struck me and will remain with me is, so many times when we pray we ask, ask, ask, but do we ever stop to listen. Sometimes GOD speaks, but because we are so much into asking for this and that, we do not hear his voice, which sometims carry our answer.
So, as you said, "listen to the still small voice.."...i like that.
Disappointments are GOd's appointments. We can't understand everything that happens.
We can not fix ANY situation on our own, but if we give it to GOD he will take care of it.
Maybe what we want is not what GOD wants for us.. ever thought about that?
His plans for you are good and will give you an expected end so if you want some thing and you do get it, maybe it's because GOD doesn't think you need it.
Stay encouraged, this post has inspired me to continue to let go and let GOD.
Thanks
Who else ....
Loving this post. The very essence of growth in our relationship with God is examined here.
ReplyDeleteAs i deal with situation after situation, i have discovered futility in sharing with others. Many will drop statements like "let go and let God" without thinking. i often wonder what they would want to hear if they were in my shoes at that time. In my profession, i am careful to spend a lot of time listening, some time emphasizing, and a little time advising, asking God for direction for what to say.
i wish to suggest one thing for these situations, and that's only because it's helped me in the past. When i look at events that have happened before that are similar to the one that's brought me to my knees, i more often than not see God working. i see that He's brought me through before. And this gives me, at the very least, comfort and courage for the future. Sometimes it even gives me insight into how He is working now, and what direction He's giving me to go forward. God teaches me in patterns.
Be blessed, and keep writing. Maybe one day i'll start writing again myself, inspired in part by you