It had been awhile. With all the craziness and “busy”-ness
of the holidays, and then several author events and promotions all swirling into
this massive storm, all demanding my attention, I couldn’t focus on anything
except the blur of the calendar whizzing through my head, reminding me that I
had to move harder, faster, get up earlier. It didn’t help that the weather hadn’t cooperated,
either. Bruiser and I hadn’t been to visit the park in weeks.
The morning loomed gloomy and overcast, and slid downhill
from there. But my body screamed for exercise, so I determined that we
would at least drive to the park. It finally stopped raining long enough for me to unload my
seventy pound dog at the park. I prayed that we might have a chance to navigate
the soggy, muddy path before the puffy grey clouds dumped again.
As we started walking, patches of blue sky broke through the
clouds. The sun poked out for the first time that day. Dewy raindrops
glistened from bare tree limbs, shimmering like diamonds.
I believe Bruiser equates our time spent at the park as love.
Why wouldn’t he? It’s a mile of sniffing trails and back scratches. From his grin (don’t tell me Goldens don’t grin J) and flumy tail waving through the air, it was painfully obvious
that he needed the reminder that I still loved him.
With the sun warming my back, a gentle breeze kissing my
cheeks, and a spirit lighter than it had been in weeks, I realized that I needed the reminder, too. That God still loved me in
the midst of my storms. That even in the busyness of my life, even though I’d barely focused on Him, He hadn’t forgotten about me.
Maybe you’re there. In the midst of a storm. An ugly
divorce, the sudden death of a spouse or a child, an unexpected job loss, or
maybe you’re being evicted from your home. Or maybe it’s a little more subtle. Like a tiny prick of insecurity, that you’re not keeping up with the demands of
your job or you feel like a failure at parenthood. It could be a painful stab
of jealousy when your husband flirts with a younger woman, or one of a thousand
little things that creep in and rob your joy, your assurance that…
God
loves you. Right where you are. In the midst of your storm.
When you pass through
the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass
through the rivers,
They will not sweep over
you.
When you walk through
the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set
you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your
God,
the Holy One of Israel,
your Savior…
Since you are precious
and honored in my sight,
And because I love you. ~Isaiah
43:2-4 NIV
You. Are. Loved.
Maybe you need that reminder today.
Sending you a warm hug and prayers for you to know that you are not alone.
Labels: Bible, craziness, Devotion, devotional, encouragement, exercise, God loves you, holidays, Isaiah, storms of life, uplift, You Are Loved
