An Anchor in the Midst of Certainty and Uncertainty
A reflection on how the Scriptures give hope and encouragement
As a Bible-believing Christian, I have learnt to trust and rest in the Word of God; in the good seasons and in the bad. The Bible has on many occasions been my place of rest and comfort, a place in which I find clarity in chaos and peace in noise. The incredible thing about the Bible is that in as much as it is for the masses who choose to believe it, it is very much for the individual. It is for me.
In a world that seems to have gone mad, mad, mad (!) and being on a personal journey that has me feeling triumphant one day and in a funk the next, I thought to share a few scriptures from the Bible that have kept me sane and encouraged over the years. The scriptures are highlighted in bold italics. There are many, many verses that have spoken to me over time but the ones below are some that resonate for me in this season as I reflect on what has been, what is, and what may come…
The impetus for this share? This beautiful picture from a recent family photo session. A picture that declares to me “only very few things actually matter”. Chief of these things is the indisputable fact that the Lord is good and His mercies endure forever. There have been seasons when I have questioned His goodness but this is when I am required to walk by faith and not by sight. Just because I can’t see it or don’t believe it, does not mean that it ceases to be.
I look at this picture and am reminded of the times people said one thing but God said another. The doctors told my mother she would never have children. But He said by My stripes you are healed. And here I am, the first of her three children. When the doctors told me that my condition would make conceiving children almost impossible, He said delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
When the bills stack up and finances run dry, He has said I will supply your needs according to My riches in glory and have I not promised?.
People said I was the wrong color and could not achieve my school’s highest honor but He said you can do all things as I give you strength and by His grace I did. Again. And again. And again.
There have been times when I thought the accusations and slander would forever bury my purpose but He said I give you beauty for ashes. Ah, the redemption that comes when He makes all things beautiful in His time.
And then there are the times when I get ahead of myself and have to be reminded that the Lord detests a proud heart and that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
When self-doubt creeps in His Word reminds me that while I was yet in my mother’s womb He formed me and assigned a purpose to my life.
When mom was called to glory and I met a pain I had never known, He said My grace is sufficient for you and my strength is made perfect in your weakness.
With the good news and the bad news, the trying of the heart and the testing of spirit, it’s the “they said” I endeavor to ignore and the “He said” that I strive to believe. Some days are better than others.
In turmoil and uncertainty, I am reminded that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. And when I have no idea what tomorrow holds, I am comforted (even if my levels of anxiousness refuse to dissipate) that the Lord is with me; I will not be afraid and that I can have His peace, a peace that passes all human understanding.
God in His mercy blesses us with something every day. The very breath we have in our lungs is enough. On a day like today, and every day, we can choose to be grateful that His grace has allowed us to see and recognize the blessings that surround us. Blessings big and blessings small.
And on that note, the last scripture is In all things give thanks. Even when it makes no sense.
Olga
Note: Welcome to my African Technicolor Coat! I am thrilled that you have joined me for this trek. My goal is to write something or conduct an interview on My African Technicolour Coat every week. Sometimes it will be more often and oftentimes it will be less (because, life…). Thank you for staying on for the journey and sharing your thoughts, to my thoughts 😀)