Over the past week this verse has come to mind a couple of times when talking to others. The first time was when I was visiting with one of our #VirtuousCowgirls who was sharing some tough things her family is going through. She told me she was tired of praying because she felt like it didn't get anywhere. I told her she should tell God that, tell Him, "I'm tired of praying because I don't think you're listening to me." Her eyes got really big and said, "are you really telling me that?" Yes, yes, I am, because I have said that to the Lord myself. I told her God would rather her be brutally honest in her feelings than walk away from Him.
I remember a time I couldn't even afford to go buy used shoes for my kids. I remember distinctly standing in my living room looking out the window, with my youngest on my hip, telling God, "If this is what serving you gets me, I'm done." I can tell you I was a mess for about two weeks. I didn't give our offering at church, I didn't spend time in His word, I didn't talk to Him, nothing. I was so upset over it because I love my Lord, but I was so mad that I worked as hard as I did and didn't receive anything for it. I was tired and frustrated. What got me the most was I knew there was nothing else worth working for if it wasn't for the Glory of the Lord. I don't remember how I got back to Him, I just remember being so mad about my current situation. I can say He has blessed me beyond my expectations.
The second time this verse came to mind was at a clinic and one of the ladies asked if I could bless her cross. I paused before answering. I was honored to be asked. I ended up discussing it with her, telling her that I was part of the Evangelical church and we don't have omens. That blessing an item meant nothing because the Lord blesses each and everyone of us; that material things don't particularly matter. Another wise lady we were walking with added that a "Blessed item," can easily become an idol. I had told her that if she asked me to pray over her before a trip or journey I would be happy to do that.
This lady who asked me to bless her cross was more excited about our response, that it didn't matter if her cross was blessed or not. She had been told that her cross meant nothing unless it was taken to the 'father' to be blessed and that really discouraged her. Man's religion brings about frustration and discouragement because we have to keep working. The Lord's religion (the outward expression of one's beliefs; James 1:27) is one that brings hope, life, and peace knowing that the Lord has completed all that is required. We can rest in His promises.
Just as a horse can find rest and peace in our barn knowing we will take care of all of their needs, we can rest in the Lord, knowing He has provided everything necessary for us to be with Him. We have provided all that the horse needs, just as the Lord has done for us, and will continue to do until the very end. That doesn't mean we won't go through some difficult times, but the Lord is there with us always. Rest in that promise, but at the same time, when you are tired, worn, frustrated, cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
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