Not Forgotten

This past week I traveled cross-country, busyness all around and people in their own world. I wondered what each person's story was. As I made my way on the aircraft and into my seat, I suppose my seat mate wondered the same about me.  Before I even plopped down in my seat, he inquired about the message on the back of my sweatshirt. I kindly replied, “Oh it says Daughter of a King.” To which he answered, “That's cool.”

To be honest, I assumed he had no clue what that meant. To be even more transparent, though I wore those words proudly, I was feeling more like a middle child. Like I was forgotten by my Abba. Have you ever been there? In a place where you're following God wholly but you don't sense Him as other times. Of course He is omnipresent and He never leaves us!! But sometimes our own feelings work against us.

On the flip side, God works for us. Even when we perceive that He has more important work than tending to us; He is the perfect Shepherd Who tends to both the inner and outer wounds of His flock. And He does it in His own special way.

In spite of me feeling like a forgotten middle child, I still knew I had a duty to shine God's love in every setting. As I wondered how I could better glorify God towards others, He was already glorifying Himself… towards me! And He used the unexpected, older, white-haired, seat mate of mine to do it.

Where I was lacking, God was never far. He was right in the midst of me and Mr. Mike's lengthy convo about His goodness. As we both acknowledged the Holy Spirit's presence in that moment and shared our testimonies; the Lord was meeting me where my heart was longing for Him.

Dear sister, I shed light on my moment of spiritual discouragement so that your heart may be encouraged. Know that in times of uncertainty, unexplainable feelings and downheartedness you're not left nor abandoned.   At least by God, you're not.

Psalms 94:18-19 reads,

“I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. 19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

This Psalmist could also relate to our flimsy feelings. And he puts perfect language to the spiritual reality of it. We slip. In our emotions, habits, thinking and circumstances. Whatever the case, it's important to look back and see that in those cases, it is the strong arm of Yahweh holding us up. This is His mercy.

While doubt is seeking to fill our mind and anxiety is its' accompanying guest; Jesus is knocking at the door of our heart, waiting for us to answer so He can come in (Revelation 3:20). It's the comfort of the Lord that revitalizes true hope within. No person or circumstance can provide that everlastingly. Our great Provider offers exportation in ways that we'd least expect it. At times, He will render our inner needs before we're aware of our the need.

His Word tells us that all of our days are written before they'd ever come to pass (Psalm 139:16). God is intentional. Furthermore, His eyes are searching the whole earth, to give strength to those whose hearts are committed to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). Despondency doesn't mean that His loving gaze isn't on you. Nor do imperfections signify Him overlooking you.

Sis, if you've committed to God; the eyes of the Lord is set upon you and He is personally strengthening you. He knows you're trying. He knows the calling on your life seems like a lot. He knows you think that where He has you is in a barren land. He knows about your uncertainty in certain areas of your future. He knows it all.

Can I share a secret? He knew about the heavy burden that I was feeling towards writing for His glory. He knew I'd share a devotional with that man on the plane. And He knew that man's wise, life-speaking, God-inspired words towards my writings would lead me here. In a place where I wanted to give the gift up. But I can't because God loves YOU too much. This gift and burden is for all who'd be blessed by the ups, downs and revelations of my own life in conjunction with God's Word and truth. Tuh, and you thought you were forgotten!!

What our Almighty God is doing in your life and who He is leading you to become is much bigger than yourself. His mercy, His comfort, renewed strength and hope towards you is because He has great need of you to glorify Him. Our feelings, perspectives and the enemy would portray a different story. But our Creator will never abandon His creation and that's our true story! Never alone. Never forgotten. And always seen.

Make It Personal

What feelings have you been experiencing lately? Do your feelings currently align with God's truth? Declare God's Word over your emotions and perspectives. Use your Bible!

Consider how God is using circumstances & events in your life to prepare & use you for His glory.

What door(s) in your heart have you allowed Jesus in? What door(s) are you hesitant to answer and why? Ask Him to get to the root.

As your loving Father has set His gaze upon you, take some devoted, undistracted time to set your gaze back on Him by journaling to Him.

Meditate on our focus verse (Psalm 94:18-19) and speak it throughout the day: Your unfailing love, O Lord supports me…

Let's pray

Omniscient God, thank You for knowing me so completely. At times, I feel contrary to Your truth. But I am reminded that I am seen, known and remembered by You. Forgive me for the times I've allowed my feelings to be facts. When you search the earth, I want You to find me committed so that I can receive Your strength.  Meet me where I am Jesus. I invite you in & I declare, "Your unfailing love, O Lord supports me." I ask You to renew my hope and cheer when doubts fill my mind. And I praise You in advance. In Jesus's matchless name, amen.