Day 2

It’s been a chaotic day, mostly in my mind. It all started when our youngest crawled into our bed just as the sun began peeking through the curtains. I had a feeling it was going to be a long day. 

I am figuring out that it’s challenging to stick to a routine when nothing is routine at all. I think my boys feel the same way as I do—case in point. I am pretty sure they thought they’d be getting out of school today. I noticed when I got back from my morning walk that they were dressed and getting all packed up to go to the park. When I told them we needed to do our math first, they were less than happy with me. I get it. We always plan our vacation days around Tim’s schedule. When he’s off, we’re off, except, not right now. I am glad today’s Friday. 

Today, I attempted to sit down with my Bible several times throughout the day. But, the roar of the unknown made it challenging to be still. Finally, this afternoon, I was able to take in Psalm 78-79 by listening to it on my Bible app. Psalm 78:5-8 stood out to me, especially the last portion of verse 8. 

“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Emphasis mine)

Last week, before I had any inkling that Tim would be laid off, I did a guest devotional in my friend Shanda’s Facebook group. I entitled my talk, “Remaining Steadfast Under Trial”. As I prepared for my talk, I studied the word “steadfast” found in the book of James. In some versions, the Greek word is translated as patient waiting.  As you might imagine, hearing the word steadfast once again got my attention.

The Hebrew word steadfast in Psalm 78:8 means: to be firm, to be established, to be fixed. Sadly, the Scripture tells us that the children of Israel were not steadfast or faithful to the Lord.  

I know when the pressure is on, and the future is uncertain, everything in me wants to escape. It’s easy for me to fill my mind distractions that end up, in the long run, end up being entirely unhelpful. I have noticed that my affections for the Lord and His Word significantly diminish when I fill my mind with cotton candy entertainment.  

I want to follow ‘s James’ exhortation when he says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

For me, that looks being courageous to show up for each moment and patiently wait for the Lord to sustain me in my discomfort.  

Until tomorrow, 

Missy

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