Dear Lord; Well Father, the New Year is certainly upon us. However, instead of talking about new beginnings today, I want to go over last weekend if I may. As we’ve discussed at length, 2010 was in many ways an amazingly difficult year for myself and my family. Well, as of Friday morning I had yet one more potentially serious business nightmare crop up to finish off my year, and I’m afraid I crumbled. It was the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back, and I spent the bulk of my day sitting quietly in our bedroom, avoiding the world. I tried for quite some time to speak with You Lord, but I just couldn’t seem to let go of the troubles in my heart and open up that line of communication. I felt lost, and beaten, and angry, and alone.
I was of course none of those things, but at the time I couldn’t see past my own turmoil to realize it. Once again, You intervened through others to bring me back. Shannon and I were to attend a New Years Eve party that night, and although I was holding onto my pain she convinced me to keep our plans all the same. It ended up being just what was needed to get me out of the self-induced shell I was hiding in. The evening was spent surrounded by a fun group of friends, and I was able to finally release the hold that fear had placed on my heart.
The rest of the weekend continued on an upwards trend, and by Sunday afternoon I was back to my old self once again. I was able to start the week today with a positive direction, and a joyous heart knowing that as always, You were there to see me through, even when I wasn’t paying attention.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Thank You Father, for always being there to guide and help us even when our own frailties make us blind to Your Presence. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
This is wonderful! We have had a hard year too. I totally understand sitting on the edge of the bed with a soul yearning and crying out to God but yet not actually praying because the unworthy feelings wont let you. I guess this is the time we have to make the choice to follow Jesus and let our feeling catch up. Its so hard but Im hoping that after a while it will become part of my character. Happy New Year!
Thank you Kelli. I always want to follow Jesus, but like everyone once in a while my own failings catch up with me and take over. It happens less and less the closer I give my life to God, but thankfully He’s always there waiting for me when I realize I’ve strayed. Have a Blessed Day!
I’ve been finding comfort lately in realizing that God is always in control of everything. After reading in Revelation, I remembered that even satan and the demons have to submit to God’s control. He knows what we are going to face and He has already made a way through. God can see to the other side of our mountain when we can not. He already knows how you are going to succeed. I love that!
I’m glad you were able to refocus and direct your attention back to God. Remember, we have to keep our eyes on Him.
Many blessings
Absolutely Lisa. It’s amazing the comfort that knowledge brings when we allow ourselves to be in His Hands completely. Thank you for the comment, and have a Blessed Day!
God is always right beside us. But sometimes our problems and pain make it hard to see Him. But praise God He is still there, gently whispering to us. Great post!
He is indeed Jenifer. Thankfully, He’s always there for us whether we recognize He is or not. Thank you, and have a Blessed Day!
I am all to familiar with the self-induced shell. It’s been a rough business year for us as well,so I know how you’re feeling. I watch my husband work himself to death and struggle. I think sometimes it’s hard for me as a woman to understand the great burden of being the “provider” of a family of 5. And he also feels the responsibility of those families who work for him. But for the weight of that burden and all the worry and strain that sometimes goes with it, it is important for us both to remember that HE is Jehovah-Jireh…the One who does the providing. How blessed we are to have such a loving Father who urges us unceasingly to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid because HE goes with us everywhere… so powerful! I am glad that you were able to get past it all and see Him clearly in the midst of it. Blessings!
Thank you for the encouraging words Heidi. Without His care and strength, I don’t know where I’d have been over the last year. I feel Him with me, and it’s an amazing bolster to my life. Have a Blessed Day!