What Will Others See?

I’ve been relating to David lately, as you might have guessed based on recent posts. In reading the Psalms each day, especially the ones written by David, I’m getting new insights into my own thoughts and feelings. Quite honestly, I am clueless about what I’m thinking and feeling much of the time. Dave – I feel like we have been baring our hearts, as good friends, as in a relationship where nicknames are used – Dave supplies the words I need to identify my thoughts and feelings.

In Psalm 69, Dave again expresses my feelings well. Dave says he’s in over his head. He says a whirlpool is sucking him down. He says he is swamped and edging toward the Black Hole. Overwhelmed! Sucked in! Sluggish and unable to move! Facing uncertainty! I’ve been there! And, at any given moment I might still be struggling with one or more of those issues.

Yet, I pray as Dave did: “Don’t let those who look to you in hope be discouraged by what happens to me . . . Don’t let those out looking for you come to a dead end by following me – Please, dear God of Israel!” I don’t want my struggles to be the first thing people see when they encounter me. Nor do I want to be defined by my illnesses. Will people see the Mary that is surviving, hanging on for dear life, or will they see Mary who is thriving, at peace, joyful and growing in God?

Just like Dave, I want my struggles, doubts and experiences lead others to God and not lead them astray. In fact, my desire is that my speaking, my book(s) and my blog articles will be used by God to point people toward a personal relationship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit and their belief in Jesus. And I pray daily that those who need to hear my message will hear it loud and clear, and be encouraged by God's wonderful acts of mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, protection, guidance and love He has done on my behalf.

Where are you today? What are your struggles? Don’t deny your struggles. We can embrace the help available from God. In spite of our problems, God can use them to help others. I pray for you, “Please God, help others see Your grace and help in the midst of my struggles and be encouraged and strengthened, even as God is working on their behalf to help them thrive in You.”