I was perusing through a department store trying to escape my emotions. Honestly, I wanted to feel numb, even for just a moment. I slowly walked through each aisle capturing words on decorative wall hangings. One of them caused me to take a long pause. It read, “It is well with my soul.” I asked myself if that was true for me. The answer was no. No, it was not well with my soul. Life had been feeling difficult. Goals out of reach. Loneliness and depression setting in. Things happening out of my control. I wanted it all to be well with my soul, but it was not something I could magically make happen. As I continued my perusing I found myself surrounded by words of encouragement on these wall hangings.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…
Love bears all things…
Amazing grace…
God is good…
Faith…
I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you…
Choose joy…
Be still and know…
You get the picture. I chuckled because I was not in a Christian store! Here I was surrounded by God’s Word causing me to think and address some of my emotions.
Have you ever felt things were not well with your soul?
Have you ever felt your purpose or goals were out of reach?
Have you ever felt confused by your emotions?
Me too!
I know that God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) When I find my joy gone, and my soul in a drought, I go back to His Word. His Word always speaks clarity to what I am struggling with.
Back at home from the store, I began my daily reading in Deuteronomy and God brought to light something so simple and yet profound. It is found in chapter 30:11,14
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.”
Let that word wash (or spoken from my true southern dialect “warsh”) over you for a moment. Read it again.
Now, receive this next truth that only God can accomplish. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you.
He will be with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.”
If what His Word says is true, and I believe it is, then why does it ‘feel’ like it is not? It is because our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
The enemy (Satan) wanted me to be numb. He wanted me to not address what I was experiencing. But God wanted the opposite for me. God surrounded me with His truths, His promises, His commands, and drew me into His Word in Deuteronomy. He was pursuing me, letting me know that things can be well with my soul. I needed to focus and acknowledge that He is sovereign, He goes before me and yet never leaves me, and what He is desiring me to do is not too difficult.
What He is desiring you to do is not too difficult!
We can trust that if God has planned it, He will do it. (Isaiah 46:11b)
Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
It can be well with our souls no matter the battle we are in. There is no storm that He cannot calm, nor any depth of despair He cannot pull us from. Let praise be on our lips for His word is in our hearts, and ever so near to us. As we trust Him with what we are trying to escape, He will work all things out for the good.
God’s timing is always perfect and He knew we need this message at this time. Thank you Jodi, praying that you find peace in the midst of your trials.
Yes it is! Thank you! 🙂
I constantly battle anxiety. So much that it affects my physical health. I will try to remember that studying God’s Word will still my mind and therefore help me physically. Thank you!!
Diann Lee you have figured out the solution! His word keeps us in perfect peace as long as we stay in it and apply it. Keep at it. You can do it! 🙂