A "Constant" Reminder.

Tonight, I am hurting. Tonight, I am reflecting on what-in my opinion-were better times in my life and am looking at old photographs. I miss the way things used to be. I miss so many people in my life that used to be so close with me, but because of circumstances, have drifted. I am a very relationship based person, and I love friendship. I am not close with nearly as many friends as I used to be, and sometimes I feel like crying over the past. I miss the way life used to be and I miss people. People are not a constant. And it hurts.

Tonight, I'm dwelling on the past. Sometimes its okay to reminisce, but I know I shouldn't let my past keep me from looking at what's ahead and what's to come. My favorite verse that I love that more and more sermons are using lately is isaiah 43:18-19. "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See it springs up; do you not percieve it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." People may not always be constant, but the Father is, and that is reassuring. I may not feel it right now, but the best is yet to come. That's okay. If you're in my spot too, it's okay.

Feelings are worldly. They are not constant, not reliable, and always fluctuating. They cannot be trusted. Do not base your feelings in accordance with truth. If you often "feel" like you are not close to the Lord during worship in a church service, or during devotional time, or in general everyday life...it's okay. It's normal. You are trying. You are coming as you are to Him, and He sees you. Count your small victories. Satan wants us to "feel" one way about the Lord so that we fall into the trap of believing He isn't present. HE IS dude. Trust me. Keep the faith. Keep in pursuit. God was silent for 400 years and then THE SON OF GOD WAS BORN AS A HUMAN CHILD. He is working constantly even when we don't see it. The way the past happened doesn't define what is to come.

So, even though I am hurting, it's okay. Acknowledging emotions is good, but dwelling for too long is unhealthy. A new day is coming; another day that God is working in. Know that what you feel is temporary, but what you know in your heart that is truth is forever.

Stay Encouraging. Be Strong.

mw