a few thoughts

I underlined some things from readings a few days ago because I knew I would want to remember them and I didn't have time to blog.  From Romans 15:13 " I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him."

 I actually wrote this down on a 3 X 5 card to memorize.  There is so much here for me.  Sometimes the truth is that God is not my source of hope.  I look for it in circumstances and get frustrated when my life doesn't look like I thought it would.  I long to remember that I need to find my source of hope in Christ.  I recently did a children's message that talked about JOY being "Jesus Owns You"  That because we are owned by Christ we have Joy, He takes care of his people.  I reminded the kids that joy is different than happiness because happiness is dependent on circumstances, but Joy is rooted in Jesus.  But I realize I constantly need that reminder myself.  I don't rest in Christ, I wrestle with Christ.  It's not where I want to be in my faith.  I recognize that God uses all of this to draw me closer to him and for this I am thankful. 

The "because you trust in Him" part is key.  I continue to place my trust in Jesus, but clearly I take it back again.  The evidence is in my worry and stress.  If I were truly trusting in Him as I want to be, I don't think I'd be so distressed over Derek, and other issues.  It's a process and I am thankful that God is faithful even when I am not as faithful as I should or wish to be. 

Another verse I underlined was from Psalm 25:4  "Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow."  This is such a perfect prayer for Den and I both right now as we try to figure out what the next step in this journey of parenting an adult kid that is not reaching his potential ought to be. 

Psalm 25:8  "The Lord is good and does what is right he shows the proper path to those who go astray."  This is an encouragement for me as a mom because once again God reminds me that He is showing Derek the way he should go, that He won't give up on him.  I certainly continue to pray that Derek will choose the path that the Lord shows him.

2 Chronicles 32:8b "We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!"  Once again, just an encouragement that God is on our side!

Psalm 25:17  "my problems go from bad to worse, Oh, save me from them all!"    (I could just relate to this...)