It was a whirlwind of a week. There is no other way to explain it. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, I have seen and experienced it all.
The Challenges
Some of the events that affected me started a couple of weeks ago, but concluded this week. For example, my husband and I recently reconnected with some dear friends and were planning to get together with them within the week. But then, there was a death in their family. How our hearts ache for them for their loss. But God’s timing is perfect. How grateful we are that after years of being out of touch, we have found them again and can support them through this time of sadness.
Soon afterwards a beautiful soul in our church became gravely ill. The outcome was, well, let’s say potentially negative. A consistent offering of prayer went up to heaven, covering her and the family and beckoning God to that hospital room. And He did not disappoint. Miraculously, in just a few short days, she received an organ transplant, saving her life. And throughout this process, this person faced each day courageously, confidently, and full of faith and grace. It is a true lesson of how we are each in the palm of His hand.
Back here on the home front, I watched my mother, who some of you know is a stroke patient, hit one of the lowest emotional moments I have seen yet. She was so depressed and anxious, I wasn’t sure if she would pull out of it. However, just as the springtime sunlight began to pour in this week, she bounced back and had some really terrific days.
And lastly, after weeks of tension building up over where life is going in this new passion of mine, and perhaps a small tantrum I threw, my husband and I started to talk. Like really talk. We had one of the best conversations we have ever had over how to get to where we want to go next in life, and most importantly, get there together. And if that wasn’t enough, God threw in an awesome opportunity that we are praying over. It could be a game changer, and so we have been at His feet seeking discernment in this decision. The best part–it has caused us to start dreaming of a better future!
Tune Up Those Vocal Cords!
Why do I tell you all that? Because in this life, even those of faith, tend to feel that we live in isolation and that the problems mounting around us are overwhelming. But in these times, God has an unusual instruction for us.
Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.Psalm 96:1-3 NLT
Well, I must admit my singing is more like ‘make a joyful noise’ (Psalm 100:1) then a song, but I try to make the most of it!
Even through the tough stuff, the rough stuff, the sad stuff, the scary stuff–we need to keep singing His praises, and in some cases, sing a new song! Instead of looking at the circumstances, we need to look to our God. [tweetthis]If our eyes are on Jesus, we will not be distracted by the things that fight for our attention.[/tweetthis] Focusing on Him brings peace, strength, and wisdom. Leaning on Him keeps us safe in the storms of life.
When We Find Ourselves Out of Tune
How do we find the right song? First, take a step back from your circumstances and take a really deep breath. I get how hard that is sometimes. Trust me, this week, I had to take my own advice! Second, count your blessings. I know how Christianese that might sound, but it is so important. One of the ways my husband and I dealt with the opportunity before us was to write a list of pros and cons. This works in many situations. Grab a piece of paper, write your troubles on one side, but then write your blessings on the other. I am confident your list of blessings will be longer, and your perspective will start to change. Lastly, pray! Once we start talking with God, He will begin to fill our hearts with more hopes and dreams than they can possibly hold. And in that moment, you will find yourself singing a new song!
Hear the words of David, who was no stranger to troubles and sorrows:
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!Psalm 30:11-12 NLT
Thank you Father God that you are with us in all circumstances and that when we ask, you give us a new song to sing!
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.