LET THY GOODNESS, LIKE A FETTER, BIND MY WANDERING HEART TO THEE
- Key Verse
“The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it...” (Psalm 24:1)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
God is in control of everything.
Reflections
I fell in love with Jesus at the age of 21. My life changed drastically. His ability to make a new creation of me was evident to those who knew me. I did not struggle with trusting God in any aspect of my life. It is eight years later, and over the past couple of years I have found myself worrying about how God will overcome personal obstacles in my life to accomplish His will for me.
I am divorced. Struggling through a devastating marriage and divorce, I found myself wondering how God would ever end up using me in the area in which I am trained – youth ministry. I have found myself wondering if my education was a waste, if I was never meant to work in youth ministry in the first place, and assuming that I would be disappointed and discontented for the rest of my life because being divorced was going to keep me from fulfilling God’s calling for me.
How naïve am I? I have spent the past seven months working in young adult ministry. When I was assigned to this ministry I took it as another indicator that my passions were misplaced. Instead of being disappointed, through this experience I have found out how God can use my pain for good. I have had the opportunity to minister to other young women who are divorced or have been badly hurt in relationships. I have been able to overcome my own pain, and help them to have faith that God can heal them, too.
God can work through my fear, in my weakness, and past my hurts. As I look toward the future, I don’t know what God’s plan is for my next step. I do know that He is in control, and that no matter where He places me; He is good. I will be OK. I have nothing to worry about. He loves me, He has a plan for me, and it is a good plan. I can trust Him.
Discussion Questions
1. Are there areas of your life that you feel are too “messy” for God to use?
2. Take a few minutes and reflect on a situation that you have faced that you thought was impossible to overcome. Can you see God’s fingerprints on your life as you were brought out of that?
3. God can do all things, and His strength works easiest in our lives through our weaknesses. Past, present, or future – can you let go and trust God to be your strength?
Chip Smith
February 3, 2010 05:52 AM
Good morning Katie: I love western movies just as well. I was really into the "spaghetti" westerns when I was young, but looking back, three of my favorites are "Shane," "True Grit," and "Silverado." Of course, there will never be another "Duke." One of my favorite movie lines is from "Siverado:" "I don't want to kill you and you don't want to be dead." As I read your log, the line "Only your Blood can purify my heart." from the song "Who May Ascend to the Mountain of the LORD" was playing in my mind (Psalm 24:3). Without the power of forgiveness found through the shed blood of Christ, neither you, nor I, nor anybody could ascent to the mountain of the LORD to be in His presence. Your log this morning and your life are a testimony to reality of Salvation in Christ and the fulfillment of verses 5 and 6. Thank you for sharing it with us this morning.
Robert Powell
February 3, 2010 07:31 AM
Yes Katie, God is trustworthy! Wow, you might be the daughter I never was blessed with. Such similar interests! I bet you would love Cowboy Action Shooting as I do. In fact my alias is Montana Merle - I came up with the name from one of my favorite songs by Merle Haggard: "Big City" 'pick me up and set me down somewhere in the middle of Montana. . .'
Laurie Carlson
February 3, 2010 07:54 AM
Thank you Katie for your transparancy and for your willingness to serve our people during your Emerging Leaders residency program. Reading this great Psalm, I was struck by vs. 6 "This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face--even Jacob. Selah." That's a promise we can claim for this coming generation that you are investing in. Keep up the good work!
Jennifer Raulie
February 3, 2010 09:01 AM
Katie, reading your log made my day. It's so neat to watch God work. Hey, one challenge I have for you...Tombstone? Of all westerns? Ok, it was good, but have you seen 3:10 to Yuma? I know you have. C'mon!
Mary Ann Gay
February 3, 2010 02:59 PM
I loved the 3:10 to Yuma...the best...Love your log Katie and your transparency. I am mentoring a mother of 9 who has suffered a lot of what you have felt. Your words came at a good time. I am going to print them and show them to her. I know they will help in her struggle for peace. Maybe we meet at High Noon sometime! :)
Terry Melle
February 3, 2010 03:40 PM
I am so encouraged that I am the Lord's and that his eyes and his hands are upon me. Else I perish.
Linda Jean Butler
February 3, 2010 06:43 PM
Thanks for sharing your heart and your pain. There is not one of us who has not disappointed ourselves and God at some point in our lives. God can use all of us. Just look at the people he chose to use mightily in the bible - Paul (Saul), Peter, David...the list goes on. Praise Him for allowing you to see that and to use all of that for good.
Julie
February 3, 2010 08:45 PM
Wonderful words from a wise woman. Thank you for sharing your pain and life lessons. This was a timely message for me. Thank you.
Kristen
February 4, 2010 04:07 PM
This is only the 2nd time in 2 years I leave a comment for someone! thanks for sharing your private personal heartache. I too went through a divorce ~ a divorce with a man that I thought was my best friend who gave me two wonderful children. I was devastated. My faith got me thru it all and now, my new husband has this passage inscribed inside his wedding ring: Jeremiah 29:11