More often than not encouragement comes from others.
A kind word. A nod of approval over a project... and so on.
But where do you find encouragement for those struggles that you don't share with anyone?
How to you get over the hump of frustration, fear, or uncertainty?
I know that during my darkest time dealing with childlessness I just let myself wallow in that fear and frustration. I didn't tell anyone that I was struggling.
I don't even think I fully realized that was going on.
But there was One who knew the whole time.
My Heavenly Father.
He saw my heart, my pain. He reached out His hand and I swatted it down.
It wasn't until I was completely broken that I turned my face to Him, looking for that hand.
When I took hold of it, I found not only encouragement that He would get me through anything; but I also found hope, courage, comfort, and peace.
In a world that fosters the mindset of keeping everything to yourself lest you be thought a "Drama Queen"... how will you find your encouragement?
Turn to The One who knows your struggles better than you yourself. He will lift you higher than you could possibly imagine.
I am thankful that God never thinks me a "Drama Queen".
I am thankful that He knows exactly what I am dealing with and lifts me up accordingly.
I am thankful that my encouragement and hope comes from no man, but The Creator Himself.
Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the Five Minute Friday community here!
I wrote about something different, but your post got me thinking about how "courage" is part of "encourage" and how (as Paul said) "if God is for us than who can be against us?" God is always for us. He is always there and never abandons us now matter how broken we are. He is infinite, unconditional love and we can always turn to him. Blessings to you from a fellow FMF contributor.
ReplyDeleteHi David! Thanks for much for stopping by! I love that verse. Indeed, if God Himself is for us... what or who stands a chance at tearing us down? It's when we stop trusting God and allow those fears and doubts to get into our heads that the enemy is successful.
DeleteI don't understand the struggle of childlessness. I know it must hurt, but I don't know it. I do know the struggle of depression, and that "silent" struggle. Thank you. Because God won't call me a drama queen. Thank you so very very much.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Melinda
(Visiting from FMF)
I'm so glad you stopped by Melinda. I too know depression and it's horrible. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with that. The only thing that got me through the bitterness, hurt, pain, and grief of childlessness was actually letting God lift me up. And He will ever lift you up too. Much love to you!
DeleteOh, yes, Victoria, I love that God never thinks me a Drama Queen! He's so patient with us. And I, too, have swatted His hand, thinking I could tough things out. Oh, to be quick to yield to Him. The encouragement is always there, waiting. Your words of encouragement over on my post meant a lot - nice to hear coming from a teacher. Many blessings. -Jacqui
ReplyDeleteI imagine talking about being childless and the frustrations behind that are hard to talk about. I'm willing to bet people are not so sympathetic. If I'm honest I don't think I did a very good job when someone tried to confide in me, I don't think I had anything to say, maybe listening was enough, hope so.
ReplyDelete