Today's chat topic:It was just about a year ago.... I was at a church event surrounded by my friends. Surrounded by people who love me, people who care about me, people who share my faith. It was a Faith event. What better place to be lifted up?
On the first day of the event I happened to hear 2 of my closest friends talking about me. Talking in a "not nice" way. The details don't matter. I was as hurt by their reaction when they realized I was within ear-shot as I was by what they were saying. They didn't trust that I could handle the truth of what they thought about me...or what they were willing to say about me. It was so wrong! I could see that. Anyone could see that. My world tilted on its axle.
The self-righteous reaction we are all so capable of wanted to dominate my spirit. I spun into inner turmoil. I literally sobbed for hours. I was inconsolable because I couldn't seek consolation. I cast about in my mind for answers, for some explanation that would settle my heart, my mind, my soul. I can remember the pain I felt as if it happened yesterday.
Later that weekend we sang a song that so resonated with me I almost laughed out loud. It was my wake-up call and it brought me the resolution I sought.
1. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.
We cannot expect any one on earth to be a better friend to us than God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We should not look to our spouses, our friends, our parents or our children to be a better friend, to be more faithful or more solid than Jesus. God so loved us He sacrificed His son for us. No one on earth can love us that much. Everyone we love will fall short of such pure love.
I also realized - God will let our world be rocked. He is jealous of our devotion. He will test our hearts. This is a blessing and a testament of His love and devotion to us.
Since that weekend I have not lost sight of the reality that my one true love is our heavenly Father, my BFF is His son, my intimate is the Holy Spirit.
Peace,
10 comments:
amen amen amen girl. I just shared in my devotional this morning about an 'offense' that was trying to gain a foothold within my spirit by what someone said to me, and just crying out to God to help me, "Lord, help me see in this teachable moment what You are trying to show me"...Thank you SO much for sharing. You are SO right on!!
S'okay. I guess I can't be upset for being beat-out of BFF if God is the replacement. Sigh.
And chkl.
And, Love, Barbara
Thank you so much for sharing today... I love when God meets us right when and where we need Him.
Blessings
What a tough situation, but I'm glad God used it to show you what a friend He is. I hope the other relationships have healed.
Amen, be blessed dear one.
I loved this post. I too realized this lesson, but mine was followin my divorce. I realized that my husbnad (ex) and my friends, and my parents would all let me down at some point. I learned that all humans are fallable. Luckily I learned that God is infallable and will ALWAYS be by my side. This changed my world, and although I found the love of my life in my husband Randall, I have my God first in my life.
Ugh, my heart hurt when I read this post. I can just imagine the moment and how it must have pained you. It's a guarantee that when we open our hearts to people that we will receive wounds. It's no fun no matter how well we can rationalize it.
Thank you for commenting on my post.
Having just confessed my superficiality for Bible study on a previous post, I am guiltily returning to make an attempt at answering the question posed. (Not much of chat partner, am I?)
I just know that I have been overwhelmed by God's love many times in my life, and the feeling is familiar, and wonderful. But not necessarily only after a painful experience. Sometimes, I get that feeling just reading a post here. :)
Barbara
Thank you, Ladies.
@ Angela, It is so tempting to dwell on the negative. I'm glad you're seeking the lesson in your experience.
@ therextras, Thanks for being such a good sport. You're in good company. :)
@ tkh, Everywhere I turn these days, I'm running into God-moments. I'm blessed to have my eyes and ears open. I pray that I stay receptive to His word and will.
@ Sharlyn, Yes, the relationships have long since healed. During the course of the last year I have really come to appreciate that everything happens for a reason.
@ Denise, Thank you.
@ Jeanette, You are such a blessing. I'm enjoying the pusuit of a more intimate relationship with God through our Esther study.
@ jdm, Thank you for your empathy. Pain is a mixed blessing. I'm not sure if it is better or worse when the lessons are "taught" by ones we love.
Barbara, That is so sweet. Thank you for stopping back by. I appreciate your support.
My post on "teachers" is still on my mind. I really appreciate moral support as I step out in faith.
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