Of course, I'd been taught to respect my elders and always use my Southern manners, so my actual spoken response was more like this . . . "Yes, ma'am. Thank you for sharing that. I'll just keep praying and believing God for all things."
I made a mental note that if somehow I ever found myself in a comfortable place again, where life was going along smoothly and my needs were met and I didn't have to worry so much, that I would never quote that scripture to anyone in a place of desperation seeking comfort and advice! Of course, I've shared this story many times in the ensuing 17 years, along with the story of how God never failed me, never left me, and did in fact give me the desires of my heart.
You see, the deepest desires of my heart were to find security, to have connection, and to be loved. I had been seeking those things from relationships with others, from money, from activities, and from material possessions. In reality, only the Lord could fill those needs. Once I surrendered to Him and quit trying to control everything on my own, I found security and connection in His unfathomable love for me. Then, He blessed me beyond my wildest imagination!
I recently used a Clear Scraps Acrylic & Chipboard round frame to create a mixed media home decor piece using a variety of patterned papers and embellishments to highlight this scripture. I'm excited to hang this piece in my craft room where it will remind me that the Word of God never fails and life truly is delightful when we live surrendered to Him. He alone can fill the deepest desires of our hearts!
(If you'd like to create your own Delightful Scripture Frame, I created kits
that are being sold exclusively by Personal Scrapbook in Allen, Texas.)
Have you ever silently resented someone who quoted scripture to you during a difficult time? Please share what you learned from that experience in the comments.
Yes! I too have felt resentful when I was quoted scripture during a difficult time. I think quoting scripture can be helpful if it's followed up with HOW to get there like you so eloquently describe: delighting in the Lord is possible when we surrender to him and stay connected to him through His word. I really love this post and I am curious to learn more about the place you were in then. Sounds like a road I had been down too!
ReplyDeleteOh THANK YOU MELISSA!!! I am just...WOW! This morning on my way to work I poured my heart out to God. I told him no more excuses for forsaking him. I told him I am so lost and I know I need him I just hurt and don't know what to do. I put on a good face. I pretend everything is ok. I have gotten pretty good at fooling myself too. For the most part I am happy, but the whole in my heart I have been trying to fill with food, craft stuff, material things, etc. I heard that scripture in my head this morning and I told myself look for it when you get to work. Find the one about seeking God first and he will give you the desires... I forgot and got busy working. I saw your post on FB and thought "WOW!!! Ok God, you have my attention." Thank you again. I needed this! I think I need to make my own print and decorate and see it everyday to remind me that God will make it ok. That my mama is ok now and one day I will see her again.
ReplyDeleteMelissa that is quite a lovely framed piece of art & a great reminder for all your blessings.
ReplyDeleteIt made me sad to think you felt a failure about your first marriage. I think it was probably all part of depression's lies to keep you there, in the jaws of the Dragon. Glad to know you came through it, not necessarily unscathed but wised & stronger. Hopefully that particular pastor has since learned there are maybe gentler Bible quotes to use for someone in the midst of such heartache :)
You have made such a lovely piece to hang on your wall and gladden your heart, Melissa! I felt sad reading how judged you felt by your church family, and hope that you are now in a place where you can feel unconditionally loved and supported, in the way you seem to be there for others :).
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