Wherever you are, breathe deeply and know that you are infinitely loved.
So many women that I know, are wading through deep waters-- both literal (victims of Harvey and Irma) and figurative (overwhelmed by life circumstances). There are days that I too am taken down by the enormity of all that is happening in the world and the seemingly endless tasks of my to do list.
When my heart starts to pound and I can feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins, it is so very hard to remember to pray. It is much easier to default to my alter ego of Poor Pitiful Pearl and just feel sorry for myself. I don't know why, but there are some days when it is just plain hard to lift my eyes in gratitude and remember to place my trust in God. Does this ever happen to you as well?
It is in times like this that I am grateful someone had the foresight to paint a sign and nail it to a telephone pole. The photo is a little grainy because it was taken from my car while I was visiting my cousin in North Georgia. Sometimes, we need a sign to remind us that we need to lift our hearts to God and release ALL of our worries and concerns to Him.
In praying for all who are in harm's way and those who are recovering, I found a passage in Isaiah that lifted me out of my Poor Pitiful Pearl mindset and helped me remember that we can trust God to heal and bring the miracles that we need. It was just the gentle reminder that I needed.
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, and formed you Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are Mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...becuase you are precious in My eyes and honored, and I love you. ...Fear not, for I am with you; from the east, I will bring back your offspring.
Isaiah 43: 1-3a, 4a, 5a (NABRE)
I hope that today, you will ask the Holy Spirit to move as you pray these words from Isaiah. Allow Him to stir in your soul and reveal the truth of God's love for you. If you are walking through an easy and beautiful season of life, please lift up those who are struggling. If you are struggling, know that you are being carried on the wings of prayer and look for evidence of God's presence in the people and places you encounter today. God is good and He is with us.
If you would like me to pray for you, please let me know in the comments.