Press Toward The Mark, Because His Mercy Endureth Forever.

This year I’m turning twenty-six. I’m kinda struggling with it because that’s the age my parents were when I got sick and my mom was pregnant my younger sister, Anna. Obviously my parents’ life experiences aren’t the same as mine. I still can’t help but think, “What if…?” What if I never had gotten sick when I was three? I have gone through this countless times because I know if I ask, “What if…?” it will then turn into my saying, “If I didn’t have dystonia I would….” … as though I can predict what I would have accomplished in my non-handicap life.

Anyway, there’s nothing I can do or say to change what has happened. But in December, when I was thinking about turning twenty-six, I was reading in Psalm 136 and it was like getting a hug from the Lord. While I’m crying in His embrace, He comforts me gently saying, “Oh, Abigail, give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:1. And in the next 25 verses the phrase “for His mercy endureth forever” is repeated in every verse. This was very interesting to me and I thought, “Well, I must need to remember that phrase during whatever season I’m in!”

Even though I just had celebrated Thanksgiving, I needed to be reminded once again to give thanks because He has blessed me throughout the years. 🙋🏻‍♀️ I forget, just like you forget, to be thankful for the life God has graciously given us. It happens, but we need to recognize that it is happening and actually acknowledge the problem and fix it. I know—trust me, I know—it isn’t always easy to acknowledge and fix that shattered, confused spirit that wants to ask all the questions. I have been there, my friend. For me I struggle with it inwardly and really don’t talk about it much. I can dwell on those unanswered questions every day and cry about it for hours. And I have done just that several times through the years. In those times I think about Heaven and getting a heavenly body! I listen to songs about heaven and those encourage me to press toward the mark, because His mercy endureth forever.

How are you doing so far this year? Do you need a reminder to be grateful for what you have?

Please listen to this song called, We Will Remember. I hope it will be a blessing to you.

This is a painting I painted with an inspiring quote from my heroine Joni Eareckson Tada! It says, “Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.”

9 thoughts on “Press Toward The Mark, Because His Mercy Endureth Forever.”

  1. Suzie Ohsfeldt says:
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    Oh Abbey!! I love the quote!! It’s definitely a good reminder that I need too. And, Psalm 136, I’m so thankful that His mercy endures forever, because, as long as I have breath, I will need His mercy. Thanks again for your timely reminder and encouragement!! Love you, my sweet❤️😘❤️😘

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  6. terrikee says:
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    Thank you Abby!! I got so much out of your post. I too think the same question “What if I never got dystonia?” If I don’t rely on God — and the fact He has a plan— then I’m apt to fall into self pity and depression. Acceptance is the answer and relying on God, that He knows better than I do. You help so many people. I love the quote, and your painting — it’s beautiful, just like you!!

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  7. Mendy Howerton says:
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    You are right when you say, we all forget to be thankful!! I’m reminded that Paul in his sufferings was thankful because he knew Christ was stronger in him then. 2 Cor.12:9
    Once again, you are a tremendous example of faithfulness and joy!!

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  8. Melissa says:
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    Thank you for the timely reminder to give thanks in everything. I too love this song, our choir sings it quite often and it’s always a blessing. “And we will shout, Our God is Good, and He is the faithful One”.
    🙌🏽

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