The Goodness of the Lord

Here lately there’s been a struggle deep within my heart over issues of the past and circumstances of the present. I am terrible about mulling things over and over in my mind until finally I have to take it before the Lord. So the past several weeks have been series of stewing, journaling, praying and seeing the goodness of the Lord in His Word that sustains me thorough one more moment- one more hour- one more day – until the next set of circumstances strikes.

Needless to say my emotions have run wild on occasion and family has been riding the roller coaster with me. UNTIL… the Lord began, through several resources and His presence, to lead me back to the concept of leading my heart and emotions rather than letting them lead me. To choose to renew my mind and heart not only with scripture, but also with choosing the paths down which my mind will travel. It has been refreshing. :)

As the smoke of smoldering embers began clear from my heart, I began to understand more of what the Lord was doing in my midst: His purposeful hand holding me steady as we passed under the shadow of death so that He alone could restore my soul. And oh the sweet taste of restoration!

Now the restoration is not yet complete, however, last night I was afforded the opportunity to openly talk about some of these struggles. With grace and love I attempted to convey my heart of hearts- NOT the bitterness and malice that had previously been there. The results? Peace. Sweet peace that washes over my mind and heart.

The best part is that we took communion this morning at church and there was no hesitation needed, because I knew that my heart was clean before the Lord. A day or two before and this would have been a drastically different situation. So, Thank You Lord. Thank-you for Your peace and thank you for a purposeful Hand of Love that reminds me that You adopted me into Your family and that all of Your ways are purposeful and good.