My first semester as a college student has officially come to an end, as of this afternoon. My bed is stripped of its sheets, the majority of my closet is stuffed into a Nike duffel bag, and the linoleum floor is vacuumed and swept. The rain is falling slowly outside my dorm window, and the skies are a dull gray, as if reluctant to let go and move on.
Despite the bittersweet sensation of knowing that these past three months have stretched, challenged, and enlightened me in ways that I would have never anticipated, I am hopeful. My eyes are set upon the Lord, and my heart is eager to follow Him wherever He will lead me. I know that it's a journey that will take perseverance, courage, willingness, and trust--a whole lot of trust. And that can be exhausting.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)
This verse has spoken so closely to my heart lately. It's a wonderful, refreshing reminder to know that each day is a new start, another opportunity to live into the person that Christ has called me to be. That my sins and mistakes are forgiven before I commit them, and I am loved beyond all measure. It's also a reminder for patience. Sometimes, God doesn't speak for a long time. He is silent, and He continues to be silent, even through the difficulty of circumstances. It initiates a concern for whether God is listening, whether your desperate prayers will ever get answered or acknowledged. But He is your portion. He is for you, and with you, and beside you. Be patient and strain forward.
"As God nurtures, protects, prepares, and initiates us, he restores us to the truth of who we are and the reality of the life we are living and meant to live.” -Stasi Eldredge, Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You
As this holiday season quickly approaches, I pray that you find comfort in the unknown and uncertainty. Because God knows and God is certain. Allow yourself to not be okay, to feel broken and a mess, and you'll realize that nothing is ever out of Jesus' reach.
Blissful blessings,
Amy :)
