Hey, my beloved sisters! I have you on my mind right now, wondering how you are and what God is presently sowing into your path. I’ve been writing to you steadily through Children of the Day but today I found myself longing for real-time interaction. I’ve been thinking about a verse that I’ve known and loved a very long time. I like it in almost any version but it’s by far the most gorgeous in the King James.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   Marvelous are Your works,
   And that my soul knows very well.
    Psalm 139:14 NKJV
It’s the last line that I love so much. Life is hard and all our unanswered questions and unsolvable mysteries can make us feel like we’re getting sucked further and further into a black hole. We can come to the conclusion that there is really very little that we can know and, for the most part, we earthlings are victims of gravity, the soles of our feet stuck to the dirt and growing more callous by the day. Depression runs particularly rampant this time of year and darkness can be even darker for children of light. We know it’s not where we belong but we don’t always know how to crack the door to the sunshine.
We’re going to give that a shot today.
My challenge to you in the midst of all our questions is to behold what we each – individually, not corporately – really do know all the way into the dark folds of our souls. Here’s the 2-part assignment:
1. Complete this sentence: Right now I don’t have any idea… (pick only one thing, the thing that you find most confusing right now or most removed from your knowledgeable reach).
2. But these things my soul knows very well: (Write 5 things you know – really, really know – even in the black of night, even when you don’t feel well, even amid your thousands of other questions. Don’t just come up with 5 things by rote because you know they’re the right things to say and they’d be the top 5 priority pieces of information for people of our faith. What 5 things make the most difference to you right now in your circumstances?? What does your soul know very well? 5 things, Sweet Things. Don’t copy anybody else’s answers. Don’t even read anyone else’s list until you leave your comment. This is not about their relationship with your God. This is about yours. In a world of wondering, what do you know, Sister? Resist being predictable. Think about it. Don’t say it if you don’t know it to your core. For instance, don’t say, “I know God loves me” if the truth is that you doubt it every single day. Say what you know.
And those things will bridge your faith over to what you don’t.
I love you so much.
Yesterday, my strong, healthy, loving Pastor husband was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. I do not know what this diagnosis holds for his (our) future.
This I do know and hold deep in my heart:
1. Our Father holds the future in His hands and will be with us every step of the way…carrying us at times.
2. He works ALL fhings together for His good.
3. He is Jehovah Rapha, the Healer & Jehovah Jireh, the Provider.
4. Father has something beautiful to teach and show us in this journey.
5. I will hug my husband a little longer; listen to his kind voice more deeply; hear his breathing more noticeably; etch his beloved face on my heart more sweetly and thank our loving God that we have had almost 40 beautiful, redeemed years together.
6. If I may add another…would you my sisters, pray healing for him & another 20 for us…
Right now I have no idea what my future holds or where You (God) want me to go!
But these things my soul knows very well…
1. I know You are God… And You, God, are good!
2. I know You have given me 4 amazing children for a purpose… To love and be loved!
3. I know You have a greater purpose for me… I just have to discover it!
4. I know You have a plan and are trustworthy… Even when I am confused and do not see it!
5. I know You are faithful! You will never leave not forsake me; You will never let me down!
Thanks for the opportunity to do this…
I. Right now, I don’t have any idea where my place in life is, what I am to do or where to do it.
II. But these things my soul knows very well:
1. I won’t always feel lost.
2. I am loved.
3. I have something to offer the world.
4. There is always hope.
5. God sees my pain.
1) I don’t know how I will be able to retire
But I do know:
1) God has a good plan
2) I am at my best when I do not worry
3) God equips me & teaches me to trust Him
4) I find very many ‘gratitudes’ on any day that return me to my peaceful center
5) God honors me as a mother & a daughter
Right now I don’t have any idea how to parent a teenage girl and maintain a good relationship with her. I am totally tired of fighting and arguing.
But these things my soul knows very well
1) It won’t always be like this
2) It has a spiritual element and I am called to battle for her and myself, and our relationship in prayer – especially when it is hard.
3) God loves her more than I do.
4) She is a good daughter and I am a good mom.
5) God is faithful, He is righteous, He changes people, and He is in the business of restoration and reconciliation. He has given me everything I need for life and Godliness – and I have to trust Him.
As a middle school pastor’s wife I can promise you, you will get through it! Keep your heart and mind focused on Him, bathe your words in prayer, and pray OVER, IN, AROUND her room, her clothes, her school books, her car if she has one, etc…there is power in the name of Jesus! Prayers going out to you!
Right now I don’t know how to handle discord with grown children
But these things I know very well
1. In all things I am more then a conqueror through him who loved us
2. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.
3. God loves me and my family
4. I don’t need to be anxious about anything but just pray.
5. Prayers do change things or why did God command us to pray so many times
Right now I don’t have any idea how we will pay off our debt.
But the things my soul knows very well…
1. He always provides
2. He is sovereign
3. He has perfect timing
4. He is good
5. He is faithful
Right now I don’t have any idea how my bills will get paid as I work part-time while going back to school for a Masters degree.
But these things my soul knows very well:
God has not forgotten me.
He is leading me to do this big change in my life.
He has faithfully provided for me in the past.
I can trust Him in the present, although it may look different than I think. But He is with me.
I do not need to worry about the future. He will be there, too.
1 have no idea how my kids or career will pan out
2-
I know God adores me
God knows what is best and has a plan
He is able to more than I could hope, dream or imagine
He will save me from being crushed and destroyed
When I die I will be with Him
How I will get through another Holiday season without my precious Alyssa here to celebrate with us. This is the fifth Christmas since her tragic death; however I know down to the marrow of my bones I will see her again and spend eternity with her.
Right now I don’t have any idea if my son will ever be totally independent due to mental health.
But these things my soul knows very well:
1) God and K-Love radio have gotten me through the last year. (Here’s to Mandisa’s “Overcomer”)
2) Scripture memorization has kept my soul hopeful these past three years. (Thank you Beth for being such an encourager of this.)
3) God is allowing this struggle to further His kingdom some how.
4) What doesn’t kill me will make me stronger.
5) Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
Right now I don’t have any idea how to connect with my almost 19 year old son.
But these things my soul knows very well…
1. God loves him more than I do.
2. God calls me to love and leave the judging up to Him.
3. I can delight in the Lord even when nothing else makes sense.
4. Counting my blessings is often the best reminder of all that is good in my life.
5. I don’t always need to do…sometimes I just need to sit and wait on the Lord.
Right now I don’t have an idea if we will receive the compensation for the vehicle destroyed by the falling tree while driving which nearly took my life.
But these things my souls knows very well…
The Lord was in the car with me and saved my family for His plan and purpose.
Everything will work out whether we are stuck with paying off the thousands or whether the city takes responsiblility.
We are a testimony to the love, care, protection and grace of God.
My faith Was tested and has been strengthened beyond what I could imagine through this all
I love Jesus because He first loved me
Right now I don’t have any idea…..why I became paralyzed almost 5 years ago with a hubby and 6 small children to take care of,
But these things my soul knows very well:
1. God does not give me the answers I want, but He IS my answer. Knowing Him is all I need to know.
2. When I have been the ugliest with my heart cries of why, He has been the most precious with His comfort and love and holding me in His arms and just letting me vent to Him.
3. God wants to use all of my life for His glory..even the valleys. Especially the valleys.
4. God has been faithful…He will be again. He has never failed me yet, and I know He never will.
5. When my heart is overwhelmed, He leads me to Himself. He doesn’t even make me walk it. Good thing. 🙂
Oh, Alicia, God bless you and your family. I pray that you will feel His nearness and His great love for you, and that you will know His healing in every way that you need it.
Right now I don’t have any idea why I have been placed in a position where I am responsible for cleaning up the messy consequences of other’s poor decisions and if I will overcome the fear over it that grips my heart. But these things my soul knows very well: 1. I will not give up on God no matter how my enemy presses me to. 2. Jesus Christ died a horrible death for me and if He did nothing else for me, that should be enough. 3. My feelings are feelings and not to be relied upon. I can listen and believe only in truth. 4. This situation is bigger than myself and my resources and even if sometimes it is by the “skin of my teeth” I must wait – wait and hope. 5. God’s ways and thoughts are not my thoughts and ways. Although I would like him to fix my circumstance on my agenda I cannot expect that.
What path God has chosen for me is the question that I wrestle with most right now. I feel and urgency and willingness to do more…to do something…yet I’m not sure how I am being called. To be a brief as possible, a couple of weeks ago we had the Goodines come work with our church choir, and one of the songs is “Lead me Lord, I will follow. Lead me Lord, I will go. You have called me; I will answer. Lead me Lord I will go.” Those words have resonated within me so many times in the last weeks. I’ve known for a very long time that I am supposed to do more, but I try to wait and listen for His voice instead of make the hasty decisions (not that I would ever do anything like that…or try to rush God into a decision…well, at least I’m trying not to.) I know it is all in God’s time, and when the time is ready He will make it very clear. I do not feel that I am being called for foreign mission work, but I do have such a burden for women’s ministry. I love to write, I sing with a quartet (3 other girls and me), but I am unsure of the path. Please pray that I will be still and hear His voice, and be ready to do His will without question.
Right now I don’t have any idea why losing a loved one, even though I know they are heaven bound is so heart wrenching and devastating.
These 5 things I know:
1. My family was custom made just for me by God.
2. My earthly father and mother taught me how to love unconditionally because they asked God to show them how.
3. God brings new understanding of His Word every time I read it.
4. God is dependable and He is good all the time.
5. God’s word says we should join ourselves with a body of believers and I know there is a divine purpose for that unity.
I do not know if God has planned for me to ever have a husband other than my Jesus.
I do know;
I am warm and safe at home on this cold night.
He has blessed my socks off.
I live a blessed life and I like my life journey even through hard times.
I love my family and they love me
He walks with me and He talks with me.
1: I have no idea where to go/what to do.
But (Praise Him!) I DO know….
1. I will have an audience.
2. God’s plan for my life IS big and amazing and worth every second of the waiting to “arrive.” (Or at least end this wilderness time of transition).
3. God’s presence IS where it’s at: the fullness of beauty, the fullness of love and every need exceeded by abundance. Praise Him!
4. God is GOOD and loves people incessantly, creating rules to benefit us (not the other way around).
5. Praise. “Lack of praise” isn’t really the problem, but lack of understanding Who God is. If we only had the eyes to see WHO He is, praise flows automatically.
Right now I don’t have any idea how to raise my children!
1. I know that God has given them to me.
2. I know that He loves them more than even I do!
3. I know that he can give me wisdom if I just ask him for it.
4. I know that He wants them in heaven with Him just as much as I do, even more!
5. I know that His mercies are new every morning even after a day if messing up!
Thank you Jesus! Oh Beth…I needed this after a heavy heart tonight! Thank you:)
Sister, thanks for sharing this was so encouraging to me. I have to remind myself of all these things as I seek to train up our children even in the mist of arguments, bad attitudes and continual disobedience…oh the process. BUT God is so faithful!
Hugs to you sis,
Becky:)
I’m losing my job in 2 weeks and I don’t know how we’ll make it financially, but I do know
1. God knows
2. He has a plan
3. He has taken care of every need for over 60 years
4. He is faithful
5. He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine
Right now I don’t have any idea how to reach high school students in my classroom.
But these things my soul knows well
1. I’m exactly where I need to be
2. My parents love me and have taught me how to love others
3. Some day I will come face to face with Jesus
4. I learn by trial and error
5. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever: God never changes
1. Right now I have no idea where my adult son is!
2. But these things my soul knows very well!!
God knows where he is!
God has everything under control!
God has given me His Peace in this very challenging time.
God wants me to have His joy while I wait and pray for my son!
Jesus is protecting my son and fighting for him in the Spirit against the enemy!!
And last but NOT least!!!! Jesus WINS!!!!!
Thank You Lord!!!! Amen!!
Don’t give up on him. Don’t stop praying. I’ve walked that same path and am beginning to see answers to prayer. Long, hard road, but God never left my side. Or my son’s.
Thank you!! I will NEVER give up on him!! I know I just need to trust God and keep the Faith and Hope alive!! Thank you for your encouragement!! 🙂
I know that I KNOW God loves me.
I know that I KNOW God does what He says He will do.
I know that I KNOW I am a child of God.
I know that I KNOW He is in control.
1- I have absolutely NO idea how my life will play out with 2013 bringing a divorce after 24 years of marriage
2- God is real and alive.
My children are huge blessings.
I love my dog.
I will be safe( scared maybe but safe!)
I will see Jesus face to face one day.
Right now, after 8 1/2 years, I don’t know that I will ever have a relationship with my parents again. But these things I know: God is a Father to the fatherless, though a mother may forget me, He will not, I am free to live fully and faithfully with Christ’s help all my days, I am loved by the King of the Universe, who has my name written on His Hand, He calls me friend and I will always have His all sufficiency at my disposal. I have enough and am enough. God says so.
Joyfully,
Holly
Love you sweet Holly (how’s the dolphin?) — you know I know where you are here. Walking with you 🙂
Right now I don’t have any idea what my future holds or even how long my life will be, but these things my soul knows very well
1. God is true
2. God is faithful
3. God is Sovereign
4. God is in control
5. God is all wise
Therefore, I will not concern myself with these matters that are too far above me.
I have no idea what is going to happen, my Mom has dementia and is fading quickly. I am now her Mom.
I KNOW:
1-God is in control,and I am sheltered under His wings.
2-God will lead in what to do… what’s best for Mom.
3-Jesus died for the world, for me, and He is my Savior.
4-I will do whatever I can to support my Mom.
5-My husband and I are devoted to each other and to Him.
1. Right now I have no idea what God wants me to be doing.
2. Five things my soul knows well
1. God is always Faithful
2. God has always been by my side even when I don’t acknowledge Him
3. I may never have the answers but God is always with me.
4. Jesus is my Lord and Savior even though the enemy tries to tell me that’s not so
5. That if I spend the rest of my life alone I am really not alone as Jesus will always be with me.
Thanks Beth for cracking open the door again!
I don’t know how or if God will bring about the restoration that we so long for…
But these things I do KNOW…
My God is SOVEREIGN …
My God is GOOD
My God is working things out to His glory (and that is always to the good of those who are His)
My God’s understanding is without limit
My God LOVES me and mine
(sorry, I have to add a 6th)
and
My God is BIGGER in ALL WAYS than any problem or thing I don’t know!!!
YAY…MY GOD!!!!
Right now I don’t have any idea what I’m doing next.
But these things my soul knows very well:
1. He has searched me and He knows me
2. He has always, always, always, made a beautiful way for me.
3. He is faithful, forever.
4. I am called.
5. I am not alone.
I don’t have any idea: how to get my child to pee in the toilet. It’s true. I’m at my wits end getting this kid potty trained and have seen the evil one step in and mess with me and my emotions and thoughts about it.
My soul know well:
1) I have been rescued through the blood of Jesus.
2) My husband is committed to me
3) God is so incredibly patient with me
4) My kids adore me
5) I am never beyond His reach
Jamie, I love your honesty! I’ve been there – my son was about 4 by the time he got potty training done – I was ready to pull my hair out! I even asked my pediatrician and he told me not to worry – “He won’t go off to the Marines in diapers.” At least that made me laugh – I hope it does you too, and I pray for you and your little one, that peace will reign and that this hurdle will become something that makes you smile one day. Sending you much love and understanding!
1. Right now I don’t have any idea……
Without a shadow of a doubt (my soul knows full well) there is
FAITH HOPE LOVE MERCY and COMPASSION
For ALL
Right now I don’t know how in the world I am going to have the energy to minister to all the young hurting couples who you have given us to shepherd.
But these things I know:
1. God is sovereign.
2. God is enough.
3. God is in the restoration business.
4. I love my husband, my soulmate, my partner in all things more each day and he is such a gift from God.
5. I know some days as holy and loving as God can be, I love the days He shows His sweetness.
*God* has given us to shepherd.
Right now I don’t have any idea of how I will complete what is still undone from September.
Five things I do know:
*God is faithful when I am unfaithful.
*The Father hears my prayers.
*Jesus is real to me.
*Life is messy.
*God’s grace gives enough refreshment to keep me going.
Praying for you Lots of Questions. Trust God with the outcomes. He is faithful and will lead and guide you. Love you!
Right now I don’t have any idea how God is going to heal and renew a particular relationship.
But these things my soul knows very well:
1) God loves both of us very much!
2) God is good and has good planned.
3) God has good plans for both of us, separately and together as sisters in Christ.
4) God is sovereign and loving in all circumstances.
5) God’s grace is sufficient for me in the waiting.
Right now I don’t have any idea …if our church plant is going to make it
But these things my soul knows very well…
1. God is in control.
2. God loves me. Really loves me!
3. The Bible is truth.
4. God’s will is better than my wants.
5. My love for my children and my husband is real and fierce.
1. I have no idea how or when the Lord will heal our marriage, my husband from porn addiction and child abuse..i have no idea!!
2. I know that we belong to Jesus!!
3. I know Jesus is our healer!
4. I know that the Lord is with us.
Right now I don’t have any idea… where GOD is leading me for His ministry I had felt called to; as it has ended.
But these things my soul knows very well…
1-GOD IS GOOD!
2-GOD IS FAITHFUL even when scary happens.
3-GOD hears my pleas/prayers/call!
4-GOD is Greater than all-circumstances, worries, bills, events, -ALL! Even when there is more expenses than income, just to survive.
5-GOD has a purpose and plan even when I hit a wall; seem in darkness; can’t comprehend the next moment; sit in a stew; overwhelmed!
2 Timothy 2:13 “if we are faithless, He remains Faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” NIV
Beth, Here goes:
1. Right now I don’t have any idea how come the Lord has allowed me to be single for 43 years since my heart’s desire has always been to be a wife and a mother.
2. But these things my soul knows very well…
*My momma will always love me, no matter what.
*Jesus has a plan for me, specifically. He does not have or need a plan B regardless of my circumstances, screw ups, gifts or talents.
*I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the Earth.
*Laughter is the best medicine.
*Jesus is the perfect and final sacrifice and He suffered and died for me so I wouldn’t have to.
Right now I don’t have any idea why there seems to be a million different ways to see different areas in the Christian walk…I read or hear one person and they are “slamming” one way of thinking and then I hear or read the opposite and they are “calling out” the other way of thinking…and my heart is left feeling confused and aching for love and unity.
But these things my soul knows very well…
1. That God is God and He doesn’t get confused.
2. That God still chooses to speak to me and use me even on days when I feel “murky” and discouraged
3. That God kindly and repeatedly calls me back to trust Him even on the days when I feel like I am sinking
4. That the Body of Christ is so precious and the prayers, advice and love shown to me by my brothers and sisters in Christ is so beautiful daily
5. That I have seen God be faithful over and over in the past and He will continue to be faithful
1) Right now I have no idea how some people who are dear to me are going to pay their bills and rising medical costs. It just seems like these sweet people can’t get a break.
2) But this my soul knows very well:
– That prayer works!
– That a small act of kindness or grace can change a life.
– That laughing with a treasured friend is priceless.
– That stepping out in faith and doing what you know is right can be hard but will better for you in
the long run.
– And, finally, that God hears every need and sees every tear that falls and He will most certainly
work everything out and bring it all back around for His purpose and glory.
Right now, I don’t know how my 15 year old will make it out of the darkness of depression.
My soul knows that…
1) God loves her even more than I do.
2) God is good
3) He is for me.
4) The Lord has defeated the darkness.
5) He is mighty to save.
Right now I have no idea why my entire life has been so empty and unfulfilling in almost every way.
But these things my soul knows very well:
1) The Lord has protected me from my family’s generational sin of addiction
2) The Lord has allowed some things in my life to happen to protect my life
3) He trusts me to take care of his health challenged fury creations
4) He’s not finished with me yet
5) Perseverance pleases God
I don’t have any idea when I will see my son again.,
But my soul knows these things very well:
1. God provides refuge under His wings.
2. God loves me.
3. In all the turmoil of this life, He holds on to me with his righteous right hand.
4. God will provide.
5. God is in control.
Right now, I don’t know how God can make my goals for my business come true by December 31. But, I know that:
1. God loves me and saved me from my sins.
2. He will always be “there” for me.
3. He gave me my sweet husband for this life.
4. I have a purpose that He hasn’t fulfilled through me, yet.
5. I will never be able to earn His love.
Right now I don’t have any idea how much longer I’ll be unemployed.
BUT these things my soul knows very well:
-I am a beautiful child of God
-He has never failed me and He won’t start now
-He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it
-I don’t have to believe every thought that comes into my mind. The war is in the choice.
-the only weapon the enemy has left is a lie.
Right now I don’t have any idea what God wants me to do about my reproductive health issues. But these things I know very well: 1. I belong to the Most High, 2. He is catching every tear that has fallen from my eyes, 3. He hears my groaning, 4. He knows His Will for my life, 5. He wants me to walk in His peace that He promised in John 14:27.
1. Complete this sentence: Right now I don’t have any idea… if my “tough cookies” will make their peace with God and turn their lives over to follow Jesus.
2. But these things my soul knows very well:
1. God loves them more than I do. He took on flesh to die for them. Romans 5:8
2. God extends mercy to the sinner. He will welcome home the prodigal and throw a party when it happens.
3. God specializes in impossible situations. Nothing is impossible with God. — Luke 1:37
4. If I pray in faith believing, mountains will move (and tough cookies will crumble).
5. God wins. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.