Recently I have been finding myself looking
back on past seasons of my life and comparing them to where I am now. I have
seen so many changes, and things that I had never expected. I
have been through some hard times, as I am sure you have too. During some of
the seasons of struggle and pain, I wasn’t sure I would make it. But
something happens during those seasons. When I look back, there
is a beauty to it all that takes my breath away! I have learned to breathe
deeper, love longer, and hope more than ever before. And after a while I
realized, although I don’t want to go through those things again, I
wouldn’t change them for the world. What I have learned, I consider priceless...
God takes no joy in our
pain, but it means so much when we turn to Him in the midst of it. He finds no
pleasure in our exhaustion, but is fulfilled when we choose to rest in Him.
There is no delight for Him in our fear or heartache, but only when we come to Him
for strength and peace. It doesn’t bring God happiness when we are hateful and
hurtful, but it is His greatest joy when we humble ourselves and lay
our shame at His feet. ("The fountain of Your pleasure is found in the sacrifice of my shattered heart before You. You will not despise my tenderness as I humbly bow down at Your feet." Psalm 51:17)
“May the God of hope fill
you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Thank you God for all seasons of life!
Without them, how would we know the depth of Your love, faithfulness, mercy,
and grace? May we trust and seek Your will, no matter the cost. Amen.
