Psalm 119:71 (MSG)
My troubles turned out all for the best--
They forced me to learn from your textbook.
For some reason when I was posting this verse I thought of lyrics to the old Garth Brooks' song, The Dance. In the song he says, "I would've missed the pain, but I'd've had to miss the dance." In a way that's what this verse is saying.
January is a month for focusing on what's to come, like yesterday when I wrote about choosing a word for the coming year. But it's also a month for thinking about the year that's just passed. Perhaps 2010 was a painful year for you. Perhaps your troubles-- as today's verse says-- forced you to turn to God's textbook, His Word. As you faced things too big for you to handle, you went to Him for guidance, comfort, wisdom. You grew closer to God as a result. As my pastor said in a recent sermon, "Trouble will make you look for God."
My friend Rachel shared with me that she has always looked back at the year that was and named it. Maybe as you evaluate what your year was like and what you learned from it, you can name your year as well. With half of 2010 spent without Curt's income, I would name our year the year of Reliance. We went to Him with our every need, and found Him faithful. Our troubles turned out all for the best. We looked for God harder than we ever have. And we found Him in His promises, His peace, and His people.
4 comments:
I love this! Thank you!
I actually feel that for some reason, this year is starting off harder than the last for me. A lot of friends and family are seriously ill right now, and we are having some growing pains with the kids, so it feels like this is a really hard time for all of us. Of course, last year had it's own problems! I am learning to try to let go and let God do what he will, which is hard for me, because I like the illusion that I am in control, which is not the case at all. I have been earnestly praying more, both for my friends and for my family, hoping that God sheds light on just what it is that I am supposed to do. Your bit of psalm helped me out today. There is a reason for all this, even if only to learn more about the Father. Thanks, Marybeth.
Thanks for your words. Last year was a year of trouble and woes for me. Almost left my husband, 2 back surgeries as a direct result of being a passenger in a care driven by a drunk driver, 2 career moves. I turned to God searching intently after He let me walk away from a lethal wreck intact except for a herniated disc. I have regained my life, but an even better one than before. Marriage better than ever, no more drinking like I had been, and growing in my faith in Christ. Last year was named WOE. This year is name BLESSED!
I'd name 2010 Miracle which is odd considering it was far from fun. However, in the midst of a lot of things we couldn't control, God showed up in huge, miraculous ways that were far beyond our own ability. Years from now when 2010 is not so fresh in my mind, I believe that it's those miracles that I'll remember and not the other.
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