I love my 2015 planner.
I love everything about it. Seriously, everything.
I love how each month has a certain “focus,” and at the bottom of each daily page is written a scripture or something inspirational pertaining to that focus.
It brings me joy to operate from it, and refer to it often throughout my day. Jotting down notes, appointments, tasks, points I want to remember, things I want to accomplish.
A few minutes ago I glanced down at the bottom of today’s page, and today’s quote is timely.
“What you can’t go through, God will help you fly over.” – Woodrow Kroll
When has God done this for you?
I think back to a time in my life, not that long ago, when I was immersed in an incredible amount of what I call “yuck.” It was the most difficult time of my life thus far. But as I hung on for dear life… to God, His Word, and His promises, it was as if He slowly lifted me out of the pit of yuck, and helped me to soar to higher ground.
He reached down and drew me from the deep, dark hole where I was stranded,
mired in the muck and clay.
With a gentle hand, He pulled me out to set me down safely on a warm rock;
He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again. Psalm 40:2
The last sentence of Psalm 40:2 warms my heart. He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again. Oh, how I love that. Even more than my planner.
Friend, you may be going through the toughest time of your life. You don’t know how you’re going to make it through. Questions don’t seem to have answers. Life doesn’t make sense. Cling to Psalm 40:2, and cling to God’s hand as He reaches down and pulls you out of this yuck. He’s going to hold you until you’re steady enough to continue.
That’s some powerful truth for tough times. May it fill your heart, your spirit, your day. Allow it to flow through you into the lives of others to fill them.
May this encourage your heart, and help you reach up to meet the hand He’s extending to you today.
Blessings,
Julie
Let me tell you what an honor it is to link this post up with Suzanne Eller for #livefree Thursday. Check our her lovely space and the hope she shares with us all.
Good post, and a lovely choice of Scripture.]
I’m certainly going through a rough period, though it could certainly be worse. I would have passed on cutting a finger down to the bone this afternoon, but I suppose that is neither here nor there.
It’s not really ‘yuck’; it’s an ordeal, certainly, and God is helping me through it, both physically and mentally. Physically, He lets me know that whatever pain I’m going through, I still have the ability and the resources to keep going. Pain can be bent to will for quite a bit further than any of us might think.
And mentally – it does get discouraging, but again, God is telling me that ANY positive action is worthwhile. I can’t know my future; perhaps I’ll be dead by summer, or by the end of the year, but perhaps not. Doctors are human, and their prognostications can be quite wrong.
So I’ll keep going, and even when it’s seeming totally futile…I’ll still hold onto the hope.
Andrew, as you keep going and holding on to hope, you are a witness to God’s love, faithfulness, strength and compassion. Sometimes all we have is hope, and sometimes that’s the greatest gift of all. Continuing to lift you in prayer.
Such a wonderful truth, Julie! Words to live by and words to encourage others with. I know them to be true–experienced it full-on when my sweet husband was struggling to live two years ago…and each and every day since! Blessings to you, friend!
Sabra, I imagine you do know these words to be true. What a story of God’s faithfulness you and David have to share. I’m thankful I’m one who gets to read it. God is so good to us. More than this girl deserves. Thank you, friend, for being here today. Much love to you!
I so loved this post. Wow. 2013 and 2014 brought our family some deep trials that caused me to hold on to dear life. I love how you put that. But you are so right. I love Psalms 40:2 HE held me until I was steady enough for the journey again. What a beautiful post. Glad I popped over from Suzie’s link.. 🙂
Jenn
Jenn, it’s nice to “meet” you. Thank you so much for stopping in. Your encouragement is appreciated! I love this Psalm, and I’m glad it encouraged you. May 2015 be a year of blessing, peace and joy for you and your family!
Julie, thank you for reminding me of the truth in Psalm 40:2, and knowing He will pull me out of my yuck. Have a great day, Kim Stewart (Compel member)
Hi Kim! I’ve been absent from COMPEL for a few months now, but I’m determined to make time for it again. Thanks for sharing here, and by doing so, you nudged me one more step. I love this Psalm. I appreciate your encouragement and your presence here. God bless you!
So grateful that you joined me in Live Free Thursday. What a blessing, Julie! <3
Thank you, Suzie. I’m looking forward to getting back in touch with my COMPEL friends. Thank you for hosting the link up. Blessings!
Hi Julie, I’m so thankful for a steady and faithful God when things get yuck. This is so encouraging. Thank you! Stopping by from Compel and Suzie’s linkup
Hi Kasey! I’m thankful for Him too. What a gift it is that you stopped in today. You blessed me, friend!
Oh Julie, this is so true. I’m so grateful to Him for getting me through several dark, desperate places lately. Actually, I wish there was a better word than grateful, because one word just doesn’t seem to be enough to express my feelings! My hubby gave me a great planner for the year, too:) We’ve been teaching our students at school how to use calendars on their iPads for planners, but I LOVE a pretty planner to hold on to- there’s just something about it. Love ya, friend!
I understand, Kristine. Grateful just doesn’t seem to touch how indebted we feel for all He has done for us, does it?? I appreciate you stopping in and for sharing your heart here. It means much to me. Yes, I love having a planner. How great it is you’re teaching your students on the importance of using calendars! Have a great week, friend. You are a blessing!
Thank you for your uplifting words, Julie, and for the opportunity to link up. I will look forward to reading and learning more from you.
Blessings,
Tammy
Hi Tammy! Thank you for stopping by. It’s it such a gift we get to share life together??!! Praying God bless you, especially today.