A Closed Door

“I well remember them, 
       and my soul is downcast within me.

 Yet this I call to mind 
       and therefore I have hope:

 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, 
       for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; 
       great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:20-23

 

Sometimes God closes a door because He knows what is best for me. No matter how hard I bang or pry, I cannot reopen that door. I find myself staring at that closed door trying to figure out what in the world I am to do now thinking that there is no way possible that life can continue.

God promises that His mercies are new every morning. That He only wants good things for my life and has it all planned for me if I choose to follow Him in obedience. What that means is that the door may have closed but He will open a window for me.

Now I’m standing in that room and I become aware of a light. As I turn, I see the light coming in through a window. It isn’t open but I am able to see through it. God isn’t ready to open it for me just yet but He allows me to look out and it brings me great hope!

As I look out through that window, I see these things…

 

• Many moments of laughter and smiling
  
• Time with my kids doing fun things
  
• New friendships
  
• Great opportunities to do new things
  
• A greater faith in God
  
• Hope that though the door has closed, He has a window that will open just for me
  

 

 

 

The Sun Will Come Out

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:5-7

 

“I have nothing but hatred for them; 
       I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, 
       and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:22-24

 

This has been one of those days where I woke up feeling as if I were on top of the world and within hours, it all fell apart. What is that? Why does that happen? You try to stay positive and look on the bright side of things only to be disappointed yet again by someone or something.

It’s all because of sin. Sin corrupts every good thing and makes our sunny days quite stormy. Today I started with the sun shining brightly over my head and by afternoon, the storm clouds came rolling in and the anxiousness followed right behind and making it clear that it was here to stay. Fortunately for me, Philippians 4:5-7 is safely tucked away in my heart and God quickly reminded me of His peace. Now if I have to be honest, the feelings of being anxious did not suddenly disappear but instead I became more focused on things that were true.

I got honest with God for a few minutes. I expressed my true feelings for people. I let it all out. I spoke it aloud. He already knows my heart so I cannot hide anything from Him. It’s better for me when I verbally let it all out because then I know I’ve confessed it out loud to Him. From there He is able to take my hand and walk me in the direction I need to go. When I’m walking with Him and the way He has planned for me, there is much more peace and a lot less of feeling anxious.

It’s time for bed and I am happy to say that I will be going to bed with a content heart because God has placed His loving hand upon me and calmed my anxious spirit.