To choose thankfulness in a time of trial, disappointment, or sadness, is an act of praise. It is so easy to give into the negative and wallow in disappointment and frustration. To choose gratitude, and therefore joy, is to rise above the terra firma where, for this little while, the Prince of Darkness reigns to walk in joy with the Prince of Peace.
“Father,
You know my frame and remember that I am dust. Today, I choose your strength to take the place of my weakness. By your power, I will choose to be thankful no matter my circumstances. As the hymn from my childhood declares, ‘I need you every hour.’
~ Amen”
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess. 5:16-18
Your post today hit me like a message straight from God. Yesterday I was faced with the realization that my adoption will not happen for at least another 1 or possible 2 years. We’ve already been waiting 2 years. This was a big blow because I had been expecting a referral by the end of this year. On top of that when I called to talk to my mom about it she told me that she had a “feeling” that this wasn’t supposed to happen. That really took the wind out of my sails. God, “Today, I choose your strength to take the place of my weakness. “
Chelle,
I came so close to not posting this journal entry because I know how hard it is for the child of God to hear something like this when he or she is wounded and broken hearted.
What I want everyone who reads this blog to know is that when I post these entries, my motivation is not to sit in judgement on my readers. I am simply pulling from the pages of my journals what God has said to ME.
I wrote this particular meditation when I was absolutely broken.
My heart goes out to you today, Chelle. I hope the adoption proceeds more quickly than you anticipate but if the journey is long, my prayer is that you will find every “treasure of darkness” God has for you along the way.
SG
Thanks Sherri. I have said over and over today, “I need you every hour.” I know it’ll get easier but it’s been a rough day. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you in my prayers too for God’s strength and comfort in your life.
Sherri, I love this post. I too often take the easy road (wallowing) when struck with disappointment or times of trial. Thank you so much for reminding me to choose to praise every moment. These have been hard times (the wait and then the next several months). You have lifted me up so many times and in so many ways.
Sherri, I shared this post with a group of fellow adoptive moms whose cases are stuck in process and they are feeling so discouraged. Thanks for reminding us to praise HIM in EVERYTHING. This post really encouraged me and made me smile.
Hi Sherri. I am so encouraged by your blog, and tonight in particular I needed this reminder. I was supposed to leave for Africa for a mission trip in less than two days, but family circumstances meant that a trip I planned for 7 months cannot happen right now. God is good, and He is comforting me, but the pain is deep right now. Thank you for letting Him speak to us through your candid journal entries.
I miss your writing…you are so gifted…
In His grace, Sonya