Thursday, April 21, 2016

Hurts and Verses and Candles

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, 
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken 
nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, 
who has compassion on you.
-Isaiah 54:10

My heart has been so crammed full lately, and anxious and troubled and hurting. Daily- sometimes more than once or twice- I've hit my knees and just cried and cried out to God. Anyone else experiencing the same sort of days? I was talking to someone yesterday and we were discussing the hope we have as followers of Jesus, and the importance of living by faith in these dark days. I know we can have hope in the midst of trouble, and heart-settling peace in the midst of chaos. I know this because my anxiousness and trouble and hurt always feel temporary in the light of God's promises, and underneath my feelings I sense the presence of a sure and firm foundation that's solid and unshakeable.

I memorized the above verse recently and feel as though it will be important in the days and weeks to come. Psalms 121 and 91 are now on my refresher and memorize list. Fellow believer, if you haven't heard of or read The Heavenly Man* yet, oh, I so recommend it. It will inspire you- especially to continue or start memorizing verses in earnest. After reading that book, you will WANT to. Or want to even more than you currently do.

While making my first ever hand-dipped beeswax candles last week, I got in a memorizing rhythm. Ha. Whatever works, right? I finished my first round of candles and lit one and sat at the table. And wow. As wonky as it is to say, that little beeswax candle was such a beautiful touch of solace in that moment. Isn't it strange how people, for centuries, have been lighting candles and saying prayers... or gathering or worshiping in the flickering glow of candles? I'm making them more for preparedness... and beauty, but I see why people enjoy lighting them at home as they eat or pray. I hope to have bundles of these 100% pure, chemical-free beeswax candles in my soon-to-be relaunched shop, and I hope you experience the same bit of peace and solace as I am with them!

If you have hurts, or if you can offer encouragement for those who do, I welcome you to comment, friends. Regardless, I pray peace over your heart and mind today. -Brin


*This affiliate link is provided to give you quick access to information about the books or music or things I'm currently enjoying or using. Amazon pays a small pittance if someone orders through links on this blog, and that money helps keep the blog online. You know the drill, right? Thanks!

25 comments:

Traci said...

Thank you for your words, much needed. The Lord impressed psalm 121 on my heart yesterday; it's encouraging to see that you mentioned the same psalm. I love how the Lord speaks to His children. I pray for Him to comfort our anxious hearts.

Rebecca said...

Oh my gosh, I LOVE when God shows up like this.

Your post hit me right where I am, and I'd like to think God brought me here this morning. Yesterday, when I got home from work, for the very first time, in many many years, I cried...about my work. I have loved my work for many years, and over the last couple of years, for a couple of reasons, the scope of my work has changed tremendously. I'll not go into details, but frankly, I'm miserable. And, I'm sad, that my final working years (I'm 57) are coming to a feeling such as this. This morning in my "quiet time" Isaiah 54:10 was in my devotional, and it talked about shaky times and God's love being our firm foundation, and the one thing that will never be taken away. Then...this morning, I come here and find your post. Thank you. God is very cool.

Brin said...

Traci- Thank you so much for commenting. Psalm 121 has definitely been on hearts, lately! I am touched by and echo your beautifully simple prayer. <3

Rebecca- God is so good to affirm what He's speaking to us, isn't He? I love when He does this, too. I am sorry your work is bringing you frustration and disappointment, and I pray God goes before you each day and strengthens you as you go in each morning. Thanks for sharing with me. It encourages me, too, to see God knitting pieces together. :)

Adrienne said...

Thank you, Brin, for sharing your heart. These are definitely days we have to trust God. He is our only source of hope! I'm so thankful for His promise that He will never, ever leave us! We are caring for my dear, little ninety-three-year-old mother. She is a precious believer, a pastor's wife for many years. She has dementia that is increasing but she is still alert but declining consistently. The bright spot in it all is that her spiritual foundations remain strong and her faith is unmovable. In the middle of the 'dark' road of dementia, the light of the Lord shines through. He is SO faithful!
~Adrienne~

Sherry said...

and through it all one thing remains .. Him. <><
oh yes i have those days, weeks, months, and now years.
the pain ebbs and flows and i lean in further and further
to learn the why and how and what's to come, except the
what's to come isn't *for* me to know. instead, it is
replaced with *trust Me* ... ♥

debbie said...

Hope you are well

Anonymous said...

Missing hearing from you via your blog. Pray things are good for you.

Lori said...

Miss you, Brin. I hope you are enjoying May and that God is very near to you. xo

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Linda said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I struggled with depression and have for decades. Although it hasn't been easy, I am grateful for all the people and things I have in my life. Sending you love and hugs and will be praying for you.

Lori said...

hey friend......thinking of you and miss your words. xo

Sherry said...

you're missed dear one...

Kacie said...

We need an update, Brin!

Dani said...

Dear Brin, miss you and your posts very much. Hope, all is well with you.
xoxo from Switzerland
Dani

Stacy said...

Are you OK? Miss you

Charm and Grace said...

Checking in after a really long blogging hiatus and hate to see your last post was a sad one and months ago! I am truly sorry for your hurts, whatever they are. You are obviously missed and cared about here. I hope you have found a place of joy and peace since the post. You have shared so much beauty in so many of your posts... thank you for that.

Blessings,
Christi

R's Rue said...

Thank you.

Cindy Brick said...

Bree, where are you? I miss you so much!

Mother Carol said...

Brin-where are you? We miss you so much. Hope everything is ok. Please let us know. Hugs and Prayers coming your way.

MaryO said...

I hope you'll touch base with us in 2017 Brin. Until then, prayers and good wishes to you and yours.

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

Hope you are doing well. Would love to see an update of how you are. Stay Strong and Thrive, Lisa :O)

Lulu said...

hope you come back to this blog soon..take care,

Terri Steffes said...

Thinking about you often. Stopped by to check in and was saddened to see that you haven't posted in over a year. Please check in, missing your words and spirit.

Sherry said...

you are missed, dear brin.

Ian's Girl said...

Think of you often and hoping all is well in 2018