It is raining again. Mid-Atlantic Spring rains bring out amazing shades – and volumes of green. Life overflows. The ducks are happy with another rainy day. They splash through puddles and fill their bellies with juicy worms floating to the surface. The goats are not as excited about the rain. They settle into their shelters, chew their cud, take extra naps and wait for a break in weather.
The animals here are relaxed and patient through the storms. There are no worry lines on their brows. No mile-long “to-do” lists to cause anxiety. No social media to compare themselves to others. They are 100% content being goats in a herd/family with a shepherd to fill their feeders and water bowls.
It’s just not like that for us, is it? We don’t have the luxury of napping through a storm and waiting for someone to bring us dinner. I get it. So we, unlike my sweet little herd, have “bad days” and sometimes those challenging seasons and unexpected situations (that we may or may not have brought on ourselves) rock our world.
We should expect challenges in this life (John 16:33) – but we don’t want to get drawn into a pit of despair – or stuck in a self-depreciating mire. Moving forward from a bad day, a negative attitude, a poor choice – or moving through pain and suffering as a Christ-follower is more than possible – it is His plan (1 Peter 5:10).
Exodus 14:13-14, Moses said, “…Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still (some versions say “be silent“).” (Emphasis mine)
Stand firm. Be still. Be silent. The Lord will fight for you. Sometimes I think we just try too hard. Before we know it, we are a pile of tangled emotions and making no forward progress at all. If you are stuck in one of those seasons or having one of those days, look to the One who will fight FOR you. Focus your eyes and heart on Him – and your mess may actually fade into the background. You may even be able to settle into your shelter and find rest through the storm.
“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:13.
