The other night I left my house to go to Bible study and before I got out of our neighborhood I felt the need to scream. Yep. Scream. It had been a busy day. I had a speaking engagement that morning before which I needed to make sure my house was “show-ready” for some potential buyers. Yes, we’ve had our house on the market. Which also meant I needed to drop off my kids and dogs at my mom’s house before the speaking event. All without getting sweaty and frustrated.
By God’s grace, it all went well. I kept it together while corralling all my people and animals. And I definitely sensed the Lord’s presence while speaking to that group of moms. Fast forward to the end of the day, after errands and dinner prep, when I got in my car alone to drive to Bible study. That’s when I needed to scream. So I screamed. Really loud. And it felt nice. Then I prayed. Also really loud about the current stuff in my life and spirit. And then I “heard” God speak a truth so clearly that it was as if He was sitting in the passenger seat talking audibly.
He said, “You’ll get to the other side of these things and you will know and see that I was faithful every single step of the way, Lara.” Exhale. I repeated it aloud, “I’ll get to the other side and see Your faithfulness. I’ll be able to identify things You did and doors You opened or closed. And I’ll praise You, Lord! Which means I can go ahead and praise You now for the ways You will keep on being faithful!” Exhale.
As I thought about the reality of that truth, hope and rest started to arise in me. I confessed my short-sightedness and I asked Him for greater faith in order that I would believe Him. And I praised Him. Because He promises to be faithful to His children. He promises.
So what if, in the middle of whatever the thing is that’s causing us to scream a little, we chose to praise Him for the finished work up ahead? What if we chose to believe that He will indeed work all things together for the good of those who love Him? I’m not talking the sugary sweet, vanilla latte kind of good — though He does those things too. But I mean the real good. The eternal good. The good that transforms us and sanctifies us. The good that draws us deep into the ultimate Good — our Father God.
I’m thinking that choice would affect our screaming. The choice to praise Him for how He is and will be faithful will cause hope to arise — hope in the love and character of our God. Press on, friends. Press on.
Fill me, Lord…
What causes you to “scream” in life these days?
I pray that today would be a day of great rest of soul, specifically about that issue, as you meditate upon the faithfulness of our God.
I am glad to know someone other than myself feels the need to scream every once in a while 🙂
We all do. 🙂
Oh, I feel your scream. Currently it is the lack of communication at my job. I know there is some things that can’t be discussed but more gets put on my plate. Usually the middle of something that should have been done long before it got to me. I can’t be told what they have been doing and if I get really frustrated they may tell me where it is going but there usual answer is just do it from those who don’t know what to do or what it takes to get it done. Grrrr. But I see God in all of this. I just wish others would
Perfect timing. Blessed by your words and your obedience once again.
A wise woman once taught me that if we GAZE at the Lord FIRST and then glance at our circumstances, our perspective totally changes. That wise woman was Lara Williams. Joseph Carroll once said, “The question isn’t ‘How big is our faith. But rather, how big is the God of our faith.'” BTY a brisk walk is a wonderful place to scream. Your neighbors may call you a bus for the funny farm, but your home will be at peace.
Thankful for your words this morning! Read them right after my husband told me he got laid off from his job. AAAAAH !That seems pretty scream worthy. Trusting and praising in advance though. 🙂
Totally scream worthy. Oh girl. Praying for your sweet family.
Maybe screaming whilst praising is a good thing…I NEED YOU, GOD!!! SO MUCH RIGHT NOW!!!! SO MUCH IT MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM, AHHHHHH!
I feel you. I so enjoyed your speaking with our MOPS group. You are a lovely woman of God and your integrity and steadfastness is evident!
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