Now that it's half way through February, most people have had enough time to figure out if their New Year's Resolutions were realistic or just a good thought that wasn't actually ever going to happen. (Guilty!) One of my resolutions this year was to write more in my journal. Ya see... I've been trying to be the faithful journal writer that I truly want to be, but, let's be honest, I haven't been doing a great job. In fact, I haven't been writing in it at all this year. (Way to go, me!) But what I do have tucked away in this notebook are different quotes and Bible verses that I have stumbled across throughout the years that have either helped me understand a situation I was going through more clearly or encouraged me when I was feeling low. Can I just be completely real here and say that regardless of the happy pictures I like to post on Instagram, I am human. (Surprise!) I have flaws. Many of them. Like most people on planet earth, I struggle. Sometimes I feel like I just can't seem to pinpoint my purpose or calling in life...a lot of the time I feel overwhelmed and worried...other days everything goes wrong....sometimes I don't feel adequate enough and I struggle with insecurities...I find myself comparing my flaws with other people's strong suits... (Not good. Don't do this.) and some days I just feel really lonely. I guess I have said all of that to prepare you for today's blog post... I love sharing the contents of my journal with people. This may seem weird to others because a journal is typically a place to hide your deepest thoughts and secrets. (Don't get me wrong, I write about those things too.) But most of all, this little blue notebook has been an outlet for me to share my thoughts and prayers, and I wanted to share a couple entries from it with you (Because you're special.)
For the days when you feel like you don't have a purpose: You are being made into something beautiful. You are someone who God loves to watch grow. Next time you are taken out of your comfort zone, don't fight it. Allow God to make you into someone amazing for His kingdom and His glory. Trust the process and trust God's timing because HE makes all things beautiful in His time.
For the days when you are feeling a little overwhelmed (or a lot overwhelmed): Whatever it is, take it to Jesus. If it is sorrow, take it to Jesus with tears in your eyes. If it is joy, take it to Jesus with gladness and a humble spirit. If it is hurt, take it to Jesus with a forgiving heart. Man will corrupt your heart. Only Jesus will give you the true joy and peace that our hearts long for.
For the days when everything is going wrong: You will go through trials that match your calling. Learn what you can from your current situation. Allow yourself to grow and become a better version of yourself, not a bitter version of yourself. Take the time to thank God for allowing you to have another day to bless His name. He will never put more on us than we can bear.
For the days when you feel inadequate: "We praise our creative God for the mountains and the canyons, for the oceans, forests, beaches and watercolor sunsets and sunrises, and for the unfathomable amount of living things on this earth. Yet with the same breath we curse his creativity because we don't look like the person we compare ourselves to." Comparison is the thief of joy! Do yourself a favor...stop comparing your "weaknesses" to other people's "strengths." God has made us in His image. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made!
For the days when you feel lonely: People can often be blinded by their own desires. We tend to romanticize things that don't really exist. (Like those cute, predictable Hallmark love stories.) We dwell on the thought of the boyfriend or husband that we don't have.... (Guilty.) But remember that God is here to provide, protect, and look out for YOU. For now, spend some QT in His presence. You won't be disappointed.
xoxo LS
