Psalm 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

I love verse eight; it’s such an encouragement to me. That’s one thing I’m still learning. I can trust in Him in amidst of chaos and uncertainty. I can trust in Him while I’m grieving over things I may never see come to pass in my life. I’m thankful I can pour my heart out to Him and cry out to Him.

I sometimes feel like I’m stuck in a time capsule of sorts where everyone else’s lives change but mine. Especially right now, when I’m in a season of lament. I’m lamenting over things that I see a friend of mine (who shall not be named) get engaged, move out of her parents’ house and get married. I know I’ve written about this topic in the beginning of this year, but I’m so tired of this cycle of reminders of being left behind. The stages in this cycle are resent, relinquish, refocus and rejoice.

Reminders cause me to first resent the life I have, which is me being selfish and envious. I can honestly say I have a wonderful life, but I also resent the situation or circumstance I find myself in again.

Which takes me to the second stage in the cycle which is to relinquish everything to the Lord. Some similar words to relinquish are resign, yield, and surrender. This part usually involves countless crying sessions with the Lord. But I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 56:8a “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle:” I looked up what that word tellest meant in the Strongs concordance. It made me chuckle because it said, to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate:—commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe.

He keeps a record of every time I cry and, at first, I thought He probably gets annoyed at me because I do cry often about numerous things. But then I thought, He loves and cares for me so much He keeps my tears in a bottle. I can imagine the Lord explaining to the angels, in the kindest voice, when He sees me crying, “This precious, faithful warrior Abigail is surrendering her future to Me once again.” I don’t know why I imagine that but I know I’m precious in His sight even when I ugly cry.

The third and fourth stages are basically the same. They are to refocus my mind on things that are right and true and then to rejoice in the countless blessings I have.

Philippians 4:4-8

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I can go through that cycle several times a year, especially when I’m triggered by something. It might be a picture, a text from some person or even a place I visit on occasion. But, as I said at the beginning of this post, I’m still learning I can trust in Him during the deepest trials I face in life.

What’s your trial?

What’s your fear?

What is it you don’t understand?

What’s your worry?

Friend, I don’t know what you’ve been through this year. I do know we’ve all gone through some different situations this year. May I encourage you today? The Lord sees you right where you are. He knows exactly what you’re facing at this moment. He knows the pain and heartache you’re going through. He knows the sorrow you’re going through as you lost a loved one. He knows you’re weary of the journey you are on.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

He will give you the rest and strength you need to get through whatever situation you face.

This song “You Already Know” by JJ Heller says it best, I think. I hope it encourages you.

Verse 1

Everything around me seems uncertain

My weary heart can’t take much more surprise

I wish there was a point on the horizon

Something I could see with my own eyes

I need to tell you that I’m scared

I feel completely unprepared

And nothing’s what it was two weeks ago

Chorus

But you already know

You already know

Everything I’m scared of

Everything I hope

You hold my tomorrow

And all tomorrow holds

You already know

Verse 2

I can’t seem to find the easy answers

Someday, I hope the suffering makes sense

I just need to know that you are with me

Even if you keep me in suspense

We talk so much these days

Because I have so much to say

You stay and listen to me closely even though

Chorus

You already know

You already know

Everything I’m scared of

Everything I hope

You hold my tomorrow

And all tomorrow holds

You already know

Bridge

Whatever I’m feeling

Whatever is coming

Whenever the ending

You’re already there

You go before me

You go behind me

Wherever I’m going

You’re already there

You already know

You already know

Everything I’m scared of

Everything I hope

You hold my tomorrow

And all tomorrow holds

You already know

You already know