It's been a rough week. Circumstances beyond my control, unruly children, a general overall feeling of discontent. I realize over time that life casually cycles through these seasons (as evidenced by the last post I linked - written in Dec. 2007). I suppose the next step is to get to the point that I can recognize when we are in such a season and learn to deal.
Typically, when I find myself in such a place, I tend to withdraw. I don't feel like writing. I don't feel like doing anything. The laundry sits, the dishes stack up. Depression maybe? Possibly. I think a certain amount is fairly normal. Once I process through the initial influx of emotions, and I finally start to not feel numb, then I'm able move forward.
And that's where I am now. Moving forward. I know not everyone who reads this blog is a Christ-follower or even believes in God. And that's fine. But on a post like this, I would be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit is due. Because reliance on God during all seasons in life isn't a part of who I am, it is who I am. So you'll need to bear with me for a minute or two.
I love reading Oswald Chambers. He had such a unique and intimate way of painting God's character and His desires for our lives. The resurgence of the popularity of his devotional, My Utmost For His Highest, occurred when I was in college. First published in 1927, the tattered, worn pages full of underlined and circled text have walked me through many valleys over the years. And this week I turned to it once again, hoping to glean some wisdom from one who had come before, and some peace from the One who knows and understands it all.
It's not really profound. Nothing in there that couldn't be discovered on one's own, eventually. But the simple words speak to my soul, and I find in them reassurance that we do not walk this journey alone. Like water for a parched throat, I am refreshed and am ready to face the world once again.
My friends, where do you turn when you feel like life is running in circles?
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Thank you Casey! Today has been much better! Another of Oswald's compilations I love is Devotions for a Deeper Life. Also very good!
ReplyDeleteI actually work for a book publisher and I believe that we re-published some of Oswalds books a while back. The one you mentioned..My Utmost for His Highest is a goooood one! I'm with you 100%. I turn to Jesus when life is good or when life is tough. He never fails to walk beside me and meet me right where I'm at. Life ain't easy:) but, having the King of Kings along for the ride sure helps!! God Bless you today with peace, with strength, with rest and I pray that you feel God's all knowing and perfect love falling all over you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you felt some peace and comfort. I often have a challenge finding where to turn in times of turmoil. My biological family is not of my faith, so it is impossible to turn to them with guidance and get spiritual help. Sometimes I go to my in-laws and they can be very helpful, but they have lived a rather sheltered, church member association only live, so they don't always understand the issues I deal with.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll try out your book...
I find myself in these seasons as well from time to time. Beautifully written. You are a beautiful person :)
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the difficulty that must come in wanting support from family, but having a gap of sorts between belief systems. I hope you have others in your life that you can turn to that will give you sound advice in line with your faith.
ReplyDeleteGreat book that I haven't picked up in awhile. You've inspired me to pull it out! When my life spins in circles, I try to find a quite place, walk, workout or hang with girlfriends.
ReplyDeleteHi. I checked out your blog because Tracy, from SellabitMum, reads it. So far, I'm impressed. I am also a Christ follower and do appreciate Oswald Chambers. :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I adore Tracy!
ReplyDeleteI think this is something that most of us go through. I posted something like this on Tuesday. I call it my funk. Thankfully, they are usually short lived through His love and the support of my family and friends. Glad you are feeling more calm. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDelete"I always get the message when I make myself available to hear it." Truer words never spoken. I agree 100%
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