Where to Turn
There have been seasons of life where I felt wrung out and brought low. For some reason last night laying in bed the past feelings of being humbled and weak rose up in my chest, feelings produced from seasons of grief, abandonment, loss, betrayal, financial strain, illness and pain. These seasons were my seasons where life was not turning out the way I dreamed or imagined. These were the seasons I felt marked by exhaustion, neediness and brokenness. Yet in my remembering these places last night, I saw them from a new angle that actually filled me with joy. Even though I often felt hurt, angry, or forgotten by God I never turned away from Him. In fact in all these places I ran to Him out of desperation, out of need, and out of an ache to be comforted and fixed. In those seasons I came to know Him more. I came to know His healing words and His restoring power. I came to know He truly is all that satisfies and the things of this world that stung did dim in the light of His glory.
I'm encouraged by these words in 2 Corinthians penned by Paul out of concern that his past letter of correction to the church in Corinth might have caused them deep pain that could have made them turn away or throw in the towel, but it did just the opposite. He commends them for turning to God in their distress. “You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets.” (2 Cor. 7:9-10 MSG)
There is always good fruit that comes from deeply turned up soil and hard rains. There is always a luster and shine in the gold after the refiner’s fire. It is the same in our lives. The list of fruit produced in the Corinthian church after turning to God in their distress is beautiful and to be desired. “And now isn’t it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You’re more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you’ve come out of this with purity of heart.” (2 Cor. 7:11-12 MSG)
One of my dearest friends is in a season of great distress right now that she’d prayed she’d never have to face. She’s always been beautiful inside and out, but the way she is shining right now; trusting so deeply and leaning in so closely to the Father’s heart is breathtaking. Are you in a season of distress, pain, or being brought low? Are you still tender, weak, and mending from a distress of the past? Even in your hurt, anger, and confusion turn towards Him. You will not regret it. In fact, your family, your church, and your community will enjoy the nourishing fruit your turning to Him produces.
2017/01/12 at 10:39 pm