This week has been, for a variety of reasons, discouraging. Not exclusively, mind you. Over all, I am happy; life is good! But, every day this week, I have faced discouragement.
For one thing, attempts to cheer a loved one—an atheist who suffers from perpetual self-imposed misery—fail, utterly. I do not attempt to convert him, by the way. Oh, no. Not that. Conversion is up to God. But I do my part, prayerfully extending love and concern, and sharing the true story of how Jesus saved my sorry self when I was as miserable as he. My favorite atheist rejects my efforts which, although not particularly surprising, hurts.
On top of this, every day, little well meaning comments and criticisms about my writing endeavors leave me feeling misunderstood. I am cut off from my usual sources of encouragement, due to holiday travels; as a result, I am flustered. Sad. I entertain thoughts of quitting. Maybe it's time to pull the plug. All of this writing nonsense and tweeting bible verses is causing nothing but trouble, and it takes an awful lot of time. If I had time, I could pursue a hobby. I could dust off my guitar.
Meanwhile, my devotional reading plan takes me to Scriptures that address each of my sources of discouragement, quite specifically. The timing is uncanny. Concerning my favorite atheist, I feel better when I am reminded that rejection is to be expected. If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face (Proverbs 9:7). I’m even given hope by the depths of his misery. You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God & his rule (Matthew 5:3). So what if I ruined our visit by sharing the fact that I pray for him every day. Perhaps God is at work in my atheist-friend's heart. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and he is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though he doesn't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds (Matthew 5:11).
God even addresses the recent "helpful suggestions" that have been making me blue, reminding me to hear criticism with an open mind: The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction & you're lost for good! (Proverbs 10:17) I am comforted as I pray with David, Bring me back from gray exile, God; put fresh wind in my sails! (Psalm 51:12)
On the little matter of my being tempted to give up not only my Twitter ministry, but also my dream of writing for God, He uses other means. Reunited with dear friends after the holidays, they rally to my aid, sending heartfelt notes and an amazingly on-target quote about perseverance in light of criticism, by none other than Theodore Roosavelt. Finishing up the final few words of Teddy's snippet, I hear a pointed lyric playing on Pandora: When I tried to give up, Lord, You never gave up on me. The support from my wonderful friends is not unusual, but how about the timing of that lyric, and the fact that I noticed it at all? Amazing.
God is always at work refining and comforting, using all things together for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. The more involved I am with him, the more I see evidence of his love all around me, even when I am not specifically looking for it. God is serendipity.
Meanwhile, my devotional reading plan takes me to Scriptures that address each of my sources of discouragement, quite specifically. The timing is uncanny. Concerning my favorite atheist, I feel better when I am reminded that rejection is to be expected. If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face (Proverbs 9:7). I’m even given hope by the depths of his misery. You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God & his rule (Matthew 5:3). So what if I ruined our visit by sharing the fact that I pray for him every day. Perhaps God is at work in my atheist-friend's heart. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and he is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though he doesn't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds (Matthew 5:11).
God even addresses the recent "helpful suggestions" that have been making me blue, reminding me to hear criticism with an open mind: The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction & you're lost for good! (Proverbs 10:17) I am comforted as I pray with David, Bring me back from gray exile, God; put fresh wind in my sails! (Psalm 51:12)
On the little matter of my being tempted to give up not only my Twitter ministry, but also my dream of writing for God, He uses other means. Reunited with dear friends after the holidays, they rally to my aid, sending heartfelt notes and an amazingly on-target quote about perseverance in light of criticism, by none other than Theodore Roosavelt. Finishing up the final few words of Teddy's snippet, I hear a pointed lyric playing on Pandora: When I tried to give up, Lord, You never gave up on me. The support from my wonderful friends is not unusual, but how about the timing of that lyric, and the fact that I noticed it at all? Amazing.
God is always at work refining and comforting, using all things together for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. The more involved I am with him, the more I see evidence of his love all around me, even when I am not specifically looking for it. God is serendipity.
You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind & heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. ~ Matthew 5:8, The Message
I've heard it said, God's most common way of communicating with us today is through his Word. I receive endless encouragement and guidance from my bible! The "serendipitousness" of the experience—the way the words always seem to run parallel to my current life experience—never ceases to amaze me, and always feeds my faith. I can't imagine living, without my bible to guide and comfort me. If I only rarely (or never) open it, I'd miss out on all of that good, good stuff.
ReplyDelete:o)
love,
C
Catherine,
DeleteA person with artistic license, as yourself, lives with her art deep within her heart, expresses it from her heart, but does not take criticism to heart - at least not harboring any negative effect.
Your work is yours-between you and God. It is you reflecting your relationship with God. NOT subject to the value, style, or interpretation of another. After all we are not Post-modern, right?
I am a person who many times will not step out with my art because of a self-defeating mind. I don't read music for the piano, I am not trained in watercolors etc. I have found that you write, paint, play, that which edifies your soul and God. The rest can watch and listen.
I feel a sadness in your writing today, so I encourage you in God.
Always make exposition of feeling as a byproduct of your relationship with God and thank Him. HE is already speaking to you by your admission. I like your writing and am always encouraged by your verses. Keep doing as God leads you and forget the noise trying to distract you.
Now, as I write this, I fear you will say "Rick, why do you feel sadness? Sorry, you missed my point!". I would respond, I hear your heart always and like what I hear. It makes me smile and know you more. In God's love
Rick
Very perceptive, Rick! Yes, the events that inspired this essay saddened and discouraged me, but God was with me all the way through, cheering me up and protecting me. He uses all things together for good, including the less than pleasant stuff, and I know that I'm stronger now than I was a few weeks ago.
Delete(I wrote this post as part of a short series for a friend of mine, btw, to show her how God is involved in my life.)
thank you brother!
c
My Dearest,
ReplyDeleteDo not become discouraged. You are on the right path doing God's work. Sometimes we feel like we are not making a difference for God, but we are. Continue ahead and keep your head up and smile.
God bless!
Thanks Diana! I'm pretty sure perpetual self-dout is an ongoing issue for many, if not most, writers. Add God to the mix and you've got opposition in the spiritual realm piled on top of that. But, it's okay. Your words, and Rick's, and God Himself have cheered me up and reassured me. Anyway, I could never quit.... couldn't live with myself if I did. :o)
ReplyDeletethank you, sweet friend!
love,
c
We all get discouraged at times. It helps me to remind myself of this:
ReplyDeleteJohn 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
If Jesus himself has chosen me, then who am I to say no? Who am I to say He doesn't know hat He is talking about? If people fight me, they fight HIM. If people curse me, they curse HIM. If people hate me...they hate HIM. I've heard it said that God is a majority of ONE. So I have good company and a legion at my back. Keep up the good fight Catherine! Blessings!