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| Photo Copyright 2011 Alycia W. Morales |
"The Lord has been mindful of us;
He will bless us;"
~ Psalm 115: 12
"Focus on your children." The Lord directed me to make them a priority for the months my husband worked out-of-state. Knowing that my obedience would yield rewards, I said yes.
However, the more I focused on taking care of them, the less I took care of myself. I didn't read the Word as frequently as I began substituting at their school as a way to bring in a few extra dollars and stay close to the kids. I stopped praying at the church, because getting out at night after dealing with homework, dinner and showers wore me out. I attended church most Sundays, but an occasional headache or stomach bug kept me from making it every week. As a result, I felt even further from God.
I didn't lose hope. I didn't stop believing. I desperately wanted to spend more time with Jesus. But life got in the way for a season. When I deeply desired to see signs of God's closeness and feel His holy presence, I saw only signs of my flesh. Grumpiness, lack of patience and near depression engulfed me.
I prayed. Cried out. Told God how alone I felt. And waited for a response. I poured tears into my pillow as my heart longed for my husband's return and my Savior's comfort. And I waited some more.
God's Word says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Even when He is silent, He's still there, working on our behalf. We only need to keep following after Him and not lose sight of Jesus.
The light appeared at the end of my tunnel two weeks ago. What felt like it would never end passed. The season of winter, of dryness, has turned to spring. I see God's blessings popping up all around, like the daffodils and jasmine are beginning to bloom.
Even when it seemed to me that God wasn't near and didn't hear, He remained mindful of me.
Read Psalm 115 today and find encouragement. Don't turn to worldly objects and ideals to fill what seems to be a void in your life. This season will pass, and God's blessings will bloom again.
