Her Faith Thrives

Do you ever feel like you can’t handle one more thing? Up until then you were doing fine but somewhere along the way you grew weary, frustrated, disillusioned, discouraged, or profoundly sad. Sometimes it’s spilled coffee before you walk into the office or dumping dinner on the floor just as you were preparing to serve the meal.  Sometimes it’s a painful disagreement, stressful schedule, or sudden loss. These are the curve balls of life. Although circumstances differ, what is always true is we all must deal with unexpected, unpleasant events that we were not prepared for. These events can impact many aspects of our lives, and especially our relationship with God.

What does it look like to stand (be steadfast or immovable) when life throws you curve balls?  In the book of Ephesians, Paul, who is imprisoned at the time, writes to instruct the Christians in Ephesus to “put on the full armor of God so they can stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).”  The armor of God, a metaphorical depiction of how Christians can be prepared for the spiritual battles they face, has many components. The piece of armor that is of particular interest in this article, is the sword of the Spirit which represents the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Unlike reading a good book with good advice, taking in God’s word can transform us from the inside out (Romans 12:2). God’s presence is embodied in His word as recorded in the bible. Every time we interact with God’s word, He uses it to accomplish something in our lives (Hebrews 4:12).

In Psalm 119, we see David take up the challenge to know, love and obey God’s word. His commitment is seen in his stated desire to:

• Seek God with all his heart (Psalm 119:9)
• Pray that God would help him follow His commandments (Psalm 119:9)
• Treasure and delight in the word of God (Psalm 119: 11, 14-16)
• Think about God’s word at various times in his day (Psalm 119: 55, 147)
• Obey God (Psalm 119: 55,56)

David’s commitment to God’s word is an earnest, God-sized goal and with the strength that God provides he fully intends to live it out. David’s life, however, was not devoid of unexpected hardship. His commitment was tested intensely by different kinds of affliction.  In this Psalm, he acknowledges the intensity of his struggle and desperately clings to God’s word.  So how does David stand?

• David chooses to take comfort in God’s promise/word (Psalm 119:50)
• David relies on God’s commands to learn discernment and good judgment (Psalm119:66)
• David recognizes that God works THROUGH affliction to make us better than we were before (Psalm 119: 67, 71)
• David chooses to delight in God’s instruction (Psalm 119: 92, 143)

I know when I am dealing with curve balls, the last thing I want to do is work hard to cling onto God’s word the way David did.  I want to use the hardship as an excuse to indulge my impulses, hold onto anxiety, hurt someone the way they hurt me, or choose laziness over diligence.

I was impossibly busy after my engagement.  Life was so exciting and stressful. In about 4 months I would plan a wedding, get ready to move across the country, travel internationally, and maintain my long-distance relationship. Despite being highly organized, I stopped tracking lists because my time to task ratio didn’t make sense on paper.  I always needed to get more done than I could, so I used the-squeakiest-wheel-gets-the-grease approach. Whatever demanded my attention most urgently was what got done (not a way I recommend doing things long term).

Right in that season I was in a car accident that totaled my car 2 weeks before I left the country and a month before my wedding. I had to laugh at the irony.  Whatever control I thought I had vanished the instant someone rear ended me on the highway and pushed me into another car.  Thankfully, no one was hurt but we certainly couldn’t say the same for the cars involved. In that season that was the one more thing I could not handle. I was calling my insurance after totaling my second car in 2 years.

Walking with God and specifically staying committed to His word was challenging in that season.  However, I took three practical steps that made it possible:

• Prioritize taking in God’s word: Every day, I would tell myself there was nothing more important than getting into God’s word consistently. I had to BELIEVE that God’s word would give me discernment and good judgment that was applicable to my current situation.  Then, I had to act on that belief by doing something to get into God’s word regularly.
• Get creative: I had formed a rhythm in the past for how I got into God’s word, but this did not work for that season. God’s word had not suddenly lost its power, my methods were just not serving me in that season.  So, I learned to take in small quantities of God’s word throughout the day.  I would wake up and listen to my bible as I got ready for work. I listened to sermons on some of my commutes. I would use the in-between-times of the day to read a bible passage or write some thoughts in my journal. Every day looked different but one thing I had with me all the time was a way to get into God’s word when there was an opening.
• Practicing thankfulness: In that season it was so vital that I stayed thankful.  Throughout the day I would say one sentence prayers of thanksgiving. “Thank you for the chance to meet these people for coffee.” “Thank you for one more opportunity to work with my team”.   I also started to thank God for his character especially as I listened/ read about Him in His word.  What was the effect? Delighting in God’s instruction and in His character. Thankfulness opened my eyes to see the goodness of a God who provided everything I needed despite the curve balls. Seeing God’s provision throughout that season elevated Him above my problems. God worked through my loss of control, to help me recognize that He has been in complete control all along and I was better for it.  I experienced more joy, peace, and rest.

Perhaps you are having a hard time standing in your current season. If so, take heart!  God longs to enrich your life through His word even now. Would you join me in prioritizing His word, getting creative, and practicing thankfulness?

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7 (CSB)

Reflection questions

1. Growth: Are you experiencing any curve balls right now? What is one step can you take to prioritize God’s word in this season?
2. Connection: Share what you are learning from your times in the word with a friend.
3. Gratitude: Wherever you record your devotional thoughts, take time this week to write down one thing you are thankful for each day.

For Further Encouragement

Were you encouraged by this blog post? I would love to connect with you on our special Her Faith Thrives Newsletter which goes out every other month. In each newsletter, I share a short reflection about how I’m growing in my faith during this season of life. Plus, I’ll be sending you some fantastic resources to inspire and guide you on your own faith journey. When you subscribe, you will receive my all-time favorite tool for making your Daily Quiet Time truly meaningful. It’s called “From Routine to Reverence: 3 Simple Steps to a Deeper Daily Quiet Time.” I can’t wait to hear how it helps you deepen your time in God’s Word.