Since I was in HS, honestly probably before that though, I've been the "tough girl" who doesn't let things get to her. And it's not that I really AM that tough, it's just that I don't want to face those things. Tonight, I was at a youth retreat, and after saying yes to leading part of a game......I said....I can't handle it. I don't want to do that. (I'm learning to say no when I need to and tonight I needed to say no.) Instead, I somewhat reluctantly grabbed my Bible, hid myself away in someone's room & read. I searched for all the places that God told us about his peace, and how he would hold us together & allow us to have rest in Him. Here's some of what I found: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest....." (Hebrews 4:8-11) "Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink;...." (Psalm 69:14)
These are all things that were going on in my heart tonight, and as we studied together later, about how God wants to open our doors if we LISTEN to Him and then wants us to OBEY Him, I wondered about what it was that He wanted me to open up with. My answer? Fear. He wanted me to open up about the fear that was residing inside, holding my outside captive, never letting me truly express what was going on. It was interesting, because it was like God was saying....I can't heal that if you're not admitting it's there. So I admitted it was there. And then the next thing, was....how do I obey God in this area? What am I supposed to do about it?
One of the other verses I found spoke to that...Psalm 62:5,6 and 8 says "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.... Trust in Him at all times, O people; POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM, for God is our refuge." Then you know, there are those many other verses that say do not fear....well, it felt like God was telling me...."don't fear or worry....but if you do, tell someone. Tell ME."
The other thing, was I avoid conflict (I'm growing in this though) ....and most times I think about that in relation to others. But tonight, I realized that I'm avoiding the conflict within myself, about the fear that I am (was) unwilling to face. Fear about my mom, my family, my future, relationships, what God's "to-do-list" is for me, etc. So the conflict wasn't with other people, but it was a conflict that I'm fighting with myself. (which is interesting b/c a year ago, in a class, the question was posed "what is the biggest hindrance to you growing with God and I answered "myself") Hm.
So....it's been a good night. I cried. I think the last time I cried was in December....and before that one day in October. I do not cry. But I want to, because it's an outward expression of the deep fear that is in me, and I need to express that not just to others, not just to God, but also to myself. ...."The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take delight in you, HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
And now....I'm going to be quiet.
Your words are wisdom as it comes from a place of knowledge. You know what you need to do. Now, it's going to take discipline to continue to do it, to let the tough stuff roll out. Bless you for recognizing what you need, and yes, He will catch you. Bless your vulnerability in this place, Alissa.
ReplyDeleteI bless the becoming, Alissa. It’s really tough to go to those uncertain, stumbling, fearful places within. But one of the favorite phrases around Open Door consists of the accurate Greek translation for “blessed are those who mourn”: blessed are those who get outside what’s on the inside. There IS comfort, and you’ll find your way home - in company with others of us stumbling, sobbing and contradictorily hopeful ones.
ReplyDeletePeggy (you'll never figure out who "Margaret" is!!)
Thanks for sharing, powerful words. I am so glad that you have come to this point. It seems to hard to let Him take over things that we want to hold onto, but once we do we wonder why we didn't all along. I appreciate your honesty and just the person you are.
ReplyDelete