For the woman who’s all in her head tonight…

Take a few minutes and stare out the window. Watch the grass blow in the breeze, the cars drive by, and the sun begins to set. The world you see outside your window is not an easy one to live in, is it?

Flashbacks from your past bring beauty as well as heartbreak. Pictures of how life is, and how life should be, cause your thoughts to multiply and pull you in a million different directions and emotions… You’ve wished, prayed, enjoyed, embraced, and you’ve believed the truest of true principles in scripture that God has good plans for you. Though, if you’re honest, it’s hard to believe that on days like today.

Most of the time, hard doesn’t begin to describe your situation…

You see, the world outside your window used to look different. You used to walk outside, feel the breeze run across your face, and imagine your dreams coming true and the beautiful outcomes you thought the Lord had in store for you. Now, those images seem much harder to imagine… Your bank account and the real life of insurance, income, and housing remind you of the limited opportunities you have. The world that once felt so free now feels so limited. The heaviness that fills your heart is a lot. Let me just validate your feelings by saying YES! All of those emotions, thoughts, and feelings are not easy to walk through. You are not stupid, weak, not Christian enough, or anything.

You. Are. Human. Sweet friend, you are human.

In the midst of all your thoughts, has anyone told you lately how far God has brought you? Has anyone reminded you how much God has strengthened you, used you to bless others, or grown your faith exponentially? When you look in the mirror, do you see how much the faithfulness of your God has fought for you, loved you, and given you buckets and buckets of grace each day? My dear, the only reason to look back is to remember and see the handprints of God ALL OVER your life.

Don’t you see it?

Don’t let the sadness in your eyes cloud your vision. God’s loving faithfulness has caught you every time you fell, has caught every tear you’ve cried, has embraced you when all you needed was a hug and has stood by your side when it felt like no one else understood. Yes, that God who caught you so many times back then is still the one catching you now.

The heaviness in your heart He sees.

The unanswered questions in your mind He knows.

The tears you shed He catches

The joy that seems stolen He will restore

The disappointment you feel He understands.

The weakness in your bones He will strength

The moments you feel you can’t walk He will carry you.

Don’t give up. Don’t let up. Don’t sink into a place of hopelessness.

You are fighting a fight that’s already been won.

You are already loved more now than you will ever be.

My dear, there is hope here. There is love here. There is community here. There is a purpose here. There are miracles to be seen here. There is God’s favor, faithfulness, and love here. There is light in your darkness. There is joy in your sorrow. There is peace in your unknown.

I know how insanely hard it is to believe that when you’ve been waiting so long for things to change. I know how hard it is to believe that this very moment when your circumstances seem like they are nowhere close to changing… Friend, I know how easy it is, but don’t look to the changing of your circumstances to fill you. Even when it seems like your season will never end, it will. Believe me, that statement comes from a heart that knows what waiting forever feels like, and she’s still waiting even now…

We wouldn’t so clearly see God’s brilliant light shine if we didn’t stand in places of darkness. We wouldn’t so clearly see God’s faithfulness if we didn’t stand in unimaginably hard places. We wouldn’t so clearly see God’s goodness and kindness if we didn’t stand in places of hurt.

I wouldn’t have chosen this place either. None of us would have chosen these incredibly difficult places if God had given us a choice. However, you are standing, sitting, waiting in the PERFECT place to see God do something so unbelievably good.

God has not forgotten you. God has something good for you.

This is for you for the woman who’s all in her head tonight. Cling to the hope, peace, love, and faithfulness of God. I pray your circumstances change to whatever you’re praying for, but more than anything, I pray during this time, God’s love, goodness, joy, and truth would fill your soul right now. Even while you’re here, He’s worthy to be praised. Even while you’re here, He’s worthy to be glorified. Even while you’re here, He’s worthy to be called a good and gracious King. Even while you’re here, His love for you never has and will never change.

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalms 143:8)

“Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” (Psalms 27:14)

Love, Lo