"You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13:7
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delvers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Psalm 34:17-19
Who knew that God could use a Hollywood movie to shine some light on life? Well, I sure know that now! I had the wonderful pleasure of going to see the movie, "Mamma Mia" with my sister during my recent visit to Lubbock. And, well, simply put...it is one of the silliest and most fantastic movies I've seen in quite a while (not to mention fantastic music throughout, whether or not all the actors/actresses could hit all their notes!). The lesson I heard throughout the movie, and that God wanted me to be reminded of and to hear, was quite simple...to not take life so seriously. Have fun, embrace this gift of life He has given us, enjoy, laugh, relish in Him, and live this gift of life to the absolute fullest we can. Now, I know...those aren't all clear, concise, resounding themes throughout the movie, however, it was the underlying theme that rang out clear to me, and encouraged my heart to soar.
See, with my current study of the Psalms (and plenty of time spent face-down before our loving Lord), I have come to understand some certain Truths that have been so difficult for me to grasp & understand. For instance, in light of our family's current trials, how can I rise above the sour circumstances and claim joy? How does a Christian do this? How is it possible to shine His light when you are so disappointed, grief stricken, and/or unclear as to where the Lord is leading/what He is doing/why things are happening the way they are? In Psalm 34:17-19, we find our promise...and it resounds in many of the other Psalms, as well. He is above all circumstances. He is in control. He is good to us. He hems us in and protects us. We may have to endure much in this fallen world, and fallen society, but He is there....waiting to refine & grow us for the Kingdom He ultimately has for us.
Beth Moore writes (in her Psalms of Ascents study), "God's delivering us from every ounce of trial will never develop the relationship that occurs when He shows Himself faithful right in the midst of difficulty, delivering us through it. That's where we come to know Him, to love Him, to appreciate Him."
Such truth in those words! Upon reading these words, I am reminded of the single common thread that has been the underlying theme to my life this past year & a half upon moving to Texas (and thus embarking on this "season of trials")...to truly learn how to PRAISE Him.
Where have I learned to turn in times of trouble, brokenness, pain, as well as, joy, thankfulness, and gratitude? Where will my help come from?
"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to slip, Your Protector will not slumber." Psalm 121:2-3
Yes, life has been difficult. Yes, I have cried buckets of tears. But, never have I been closer to Him, felt Him refining me so deeply, holding & carrying me, and allowing Him such sweet control & surrender of my mind, body, heart, & soul. He is doing great things...He is doing great things indeed.
So, rest assured that this "Dancing Queen" is discovering how to allow Him complete control, which then encourages me to focus on Him only & rise above circumstances. Through Him, I can embrace this life He has gifted me with, sing praises and thanksgiving to Him all the day long!
Let us all strive to embrace this life He has given, live it fully & joyfully to Him, and praise His good & worthy name forevermore!
You, too, can be a "Dancing Queen!"
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