“Sometimes it feels like the waves are going to consume us, doesn’t it? Like they just keep crashing and life becomes more than we can handle. It is in those moments when we are most like the Israelites, thinking our safety and security are up to us. This is an alarming spot to land in life.”- Meredith McDaniel
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”- Isaiah 43:1-2 (NIV)
Section 6 (“Dry Ground: I am protected”) of In Want + Plenty consists of Chapters 11 and 12. In Chapter 11, Meredith McDaniel states that making connections between your past and your present creates self-awareness. Also, self-awareness promotes healing because it explains the reasons for some of the feelings you experience. But, soon after this fresh perspective wears off, the author notes, people tend to become fearful.
Above all, we want to get unstuck and regain our hope. But that requires intensity. Because this pushes all our stories into the light – and that can feel quite dark. Meredith explains:
“So just as the Israelites found themselves standing at the edge of the Red Sea, we find ourselves standing on the edge of doubt that rises when darkness hovers. We want to believe that God will continue to be faithful and provide what we need, but sometimes our world makes it hard to fully believe that he could provide a way out of the stress and circumstances we battle.”
Therefore, Meredith counsels, we face problems when we live in the dark too long. For this extended stay allows deep roots of doubt to begin to overtake us. As a result, any manna we’ve discovered starts to fade from our minds. And when we believe our story has no hope, that fosters a victim mentality. In addition, life as a victim involves constant doubt.
However, every kind of crying out matters to God. When you let it all out, God hears you!
Today’s question:What Bible verses give comfort when the waves of life threaten to consume you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Crave connection – we’re relational beings”
