As the leaves of Fall come floating down to earth...we are reminded that change is coming, fast. Yesterday the wind and rain blew half the leaves off of the trees and the color that once displayed delight now lay on the cool ground. In a few short days the rest of the leaves clinging on will float down and the show of color over. But with that, we understand that our lives consist of cycle and change. How we handle cycle and change depends on our spiritual roots and how deep they intertwine with our relationship with God. I remember the rays of sunshine warming my legs and the sight of fish jumping from the water. Those days of living in the Florida sunshine are embedded in my memory. At one time, the St. Petersburg newspaper would give you a free newspaper if the sun did not shine. Seems they were pretty confident that 99% of the time the sun would shine! Yet we all know that days filled with sunshine are not guaranteed to come each and every morning. Back in the 1980's there was a cycle. At least we called it a "cycle" since about 3pm daily the clouds would roll in and the wind would begin to blow. The daily thunderstorm was moving inland and the time of play out in the sun was over. At least until about 5pm when the sun would once again heat up the earth and we would head for the beach after supper. My daughter at age 3, would take her position standing on the couch under a large picture window. She would look up at the sky and state, "Here it comes, here come the boomers." She knew they were coming, knew she was safe, and knew they would pass. Even at that young age, she understood that the storm was temporary. She had been through so many Florida thunderstorms that she knew she was safe indoors. Most of all, no matter how loud and long it endured, she knew they would be gone and the sun would reappear. While most people run and seek shelter from these dark clouds, there many who look up, see the clouds, and just freeze in place. They do not run, they curl up and remain under the influence of the darkness over their lives. Brokenness - it is the pounding heavy rain that desires to flood our lives, overwhelm us and wash us away. Broken and depressed - this is how the enemy, the devil, would like you to see yourself. Brokenness comes in many forms - physical problems, spiritual emptiness, emotional trials. No matter what form it takes, this enemy desires to overshadow HIS light and drown you in your situation. You may be brought to your knees, and wonder if you can go on. It is here, that you find it is not your strength that will get you through... it is HIS. Now you reach for your weapon. The weapon against brokenness is called "FOCUS." Keeping our focus on the promises of our faith; our eyes in His Word, our heart and mind on Christ. Yes, focus is the lifeline in the storm. There may be certain people that will come into your life intending to make your life miserable; many times trying to "crush" you spiritually. They may mock your faith, family may isolate you. Do not be disheartened; you are on the right path when you FOCUS on Christ. Keep walking with Him. Many before you have gone through cycles of brokenness. Think of David, living in the caves of Engedi for years. He is the King to be, living in a cave for years as Saul plans a way to kill him. Yet, it is all God's design to mold and strengthen him. It is here in these caves that David wrote many of the Psalms while hiding from King Saul. Psalm 35 "... contend oh Lord with those who contend with me." Psalm 54 "... save me Oh God by Your name...hear my prayer Oh God." Psalm 55:4 "My heart is in anguish within me." Psalm 142 "... I pour out my complaint before Him...no one cares for my soul." Such desperation - he is broken and depressed. But we know that David graduates from the school of Brokenness. Yes , "The Lord can handle it all."
I have no idea what plans God has for your life, but I know there WILL be times of brokenness. May you focus and pray for the Lord to hold you close as you go through the times of change that will come your way. Just as David had his Saul, we all will have people who want to take us down and crush our faith at times. We all will see the storm approaching or may get suddenly caught in the downpour. Either way, may you FOCUS on Christ and be spiritually strengthened. May you seek shelter in the calm of HIS presence. May you live each day, no matter what the circumstance, KNOWING that He is always in control, He is always aware of your circumstance and He is always close by. May you live each day for Him. Each morning when you open your eyes, acknowledge that this day is a blessing and that it is HIS to guide and use you as HE leads. As we think upon the brevity of life, we understand as His child, we must be in His service. By His grace we will use every second well. Abba Father, Prepare us for what lies ahead Lord. Through the cycles of change we know that Your grace You will supply. In times of testing... have Your way Lord. Keep us trusting each and every moment. Keep us reaching for the hand that is there for us. Amen. Comments are closed.
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