Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10 New Living Translation
Here it is in The Passion Translation:
Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth.
This is a Five Minute Friday post based on one word – STILL. Set your timer for five minutes and create a meaningful blog post in that time. What a great concept! Try it!!!
Here goes…
I glanced out the window at the oak tree as I waited for my call to be answered. There at the very top of the almost bare tree was a leaf. All the others had fallen days ago as the cold winter winds had been blowing. That’s how my heart felt right now. I was hanging on the best I knew how. Mourning can feel like that. My first husband, Bill, died in his sleep from breathing complications. I was picking up the pieces of my life.
I carried my phone bill around in my purse for weeks. I knew it was time to cancel it yet clung to the ability to hear Bill’s voice on his voice mail message. I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
I was prepared to hang up and postpone the inevitable when I saw that last leaf let go. It had fluttered so much as it clung to the tree. When it started its descent it seemed like time stood still. The leaf seemed suspended in space – in stillness – in awareness of a new season.
No matter what you are facing today you can begin to understand that when you let go you enter into a different dimension of wisdom. The downloads of the goodness of God rise from within especially during your darkest hours. It’s not up to you to figure out all the details. Stop your striving and trust the God who is above all the nations of the earth to guide your life and order your steps.
It's not up to you to figure out all the details. Stop your striving and trust the God who is above all the nations of the earth to guide your life and order your steps.Click To TweetThat’s what He’s done for me and wants to do for you.
Please feel free to share your story in the comments below.
STOP
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Over the years, Karen Sebastian-Wirth has lovingly cared for her mother-in-love, mother, father and husband. She certainly has learned the lessons of hope in what can become a treacherous ride over some rough waters. You will enjoy her candid approach to self nurture and the practical ways to take care of yourself. Her new book The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride is now available.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
Oh how your post spoke to me! I have no idea how long Bill has been gone (and can only assume he is your late-husband), but I’ve been there. Of all the things to hang on to, I kept my husband’s toothbrush for 6 years after he died, and I absolutely agonized over throwing it away. In fact, I thought about it yesterday. But it was time. Thank you for sharing your own experience; these past weeks, as Christmas approaches and families and happy couples are everywhere, have been rough. I needed your words. (your FMF friend)
Oh Patti. I so totally get it! It has been six years for me as well since Bill moved. This week my current husband mourned the home-going of his late wife. Her Dad moved to Heaven three years to the date after she did. Praying for you now. I will go read your post and leave a reciprocal comment. You’re the best!
HUGS!
XXOO
Grief is hard. And it’s so hard to let go.
Tara,
Yes, it is. I know that you process that every time you face a reality check regarding your Mom’s condition and ongoing memory. So many hugs sent your way sweet friend. Love you. XXOO
“No matter what you are facing today you can begin to understand that when you let go you enter into a different dimension of wisdom.” The letting go is so hard initially, but God is right there with his comfort and peace and hope! Blessings to you, dear Karen! xo
Thanks, Gayl. Yes, there is such closeness when you open your broken heart to Him.
Hugs and kisses to you as well. Let me know when you are ready for the guest blog on HOPE!
Karen
Beautiful! As I read this, I think of my sweet SIL whose husband passed away in a tragic accident a year and a half ago. Today is his birthday… and I’m sure she still listens to his voice via saved voicemails, or sermons recorded… this reminded me to pray for her and the boys a bit more fervently today!
Blessings!
(Also: The Passion Translation… Gah! It’s so lovely!)
Karrilee,
Oh, those anniversaries of move-to-Heaven or birthdays are so bittersweet. Praying for her as well.
So glad you enjoy TPT as well. It adds a fresh spin on certain scriptures. I also enjoy the footnotes.
Blessings to you and your family.
Karen
Karen, you brought tears to my eyes when you talked about carrying around the phone bill, reluctant to cancel and lose the voicemails.
Well, no. Actually, I lost it (only the dogs were around to see, but I guess now the world knows).
God bless.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/12/your-dying-spouse-554-what-do-i-do-now.html
Andrew,
My heart and prayers are with you in this tough time. Now it’s my turn to shed some tears of my own. I find they cleanse and comfort when they turn to Jesus. Thanks for sharing your ride. Always remember how much you are loved.
Karen