865 Exit the Circle of Doubt

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it seems the demand is greater than your supply and you will never have enough of what is required. But may I remind you of God’s track record on getting you through? May I remind you of your 100% survival rate so far? Honey, if he got you through that, he will get you through this! You don’t see what God is doing here on your behalf. You can’t imagine how he is working all of this together for good. Your mind can’t possibly fathom all he is doing to make a way for you … BUT HE IS. You haven’t seen the end, but he has. Since the very beginning he has seen the end. Before you even had a name, the purpose for which you exist was formed. The destiny you are stepping into now was laid out before your first breath. And just in case you’ve gotten lost in the chaos and overwhelmed in the trouble, today was accounted for. He is not surprised or shaken by these circumstances. This is not out of his hands, it all fits perfectly in his capable hands where he holds every single thing concerning you and your life. You know that, right? But still you worry. Still you stare into the darkness and fear. Still you feel troubled. Do you think your Heavenly father is disappointed over your worry? Do you think he’s insulted by your fear? No sweet child of his, he responds with the care of a Father who knows right now the path is hard, but there’s a way through it and it leads somewhere good. This past weekend I came across a journal I had left at my mama’s house. Within the pages I had written my prayers and studies on Psalm 77. Our family was going through a crisis and this scripture gave me guidance on how to take the next step when the way seemed so dark. Today I look back and I see how faithful God has been. I see how he was indeed leading us to better days, and future goodness I couldn’t imagine. I see how he was calling me on so I didn’t get stuck. I believe he is calling you on here so you don’t get stuck. Don’t get stuck in this darkness. Don’t linger in this mess. Don’t circle in this hardship. Don’t dwell in this chaos. You’re passing through, not pitching a tent to stay. Going through hardship is life and we can’t avoid it no matter how hard we try, but we don’t have to dwell there. We don’t have to allow our mind to be overwhelmed by the negative thoughts that wander into darkness. We don’t have to wallow in today’s realities and forfeit tomorrow’s progress. There is a different way to navigate these roads, a better way. Psalm 77 shows us a shift in perspective. A literal turn from negative to positive. It starts with verses 1-4: “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.” Worry kept him from sleeping. He begged for help, and nothing changed. He feared things would never change. He prayed, but he still didn’t feel better. He has tried and everything he has tried didn’t work. He began growing tired. Maybe you’ve been praying, but honestly you don’t feel any better. You’ve hit your knees, and got up with no better answers or clear plan. You’ve asked for help, but nothing has changed. You’ve done all you know to do, and nothing seems to be good enough. And maybe you’re just freaking tired from the battle. Is it okay to feel this way? Absolutely. We just don’t talk about it, do we? But the truth is, this is what life feels like sometimes. And these feelings lead to questions.