Sometimes I need to preach the Gospel truth to myself all over again. Because this brain of mine forgets God’s grace and goodness all too easily when things don’t turn out quite like I expect.
A few weeks ago, I jotted down the last items on my list and was out the door to make a grocery store run before we headed out of town to pick up our son from college for Thanksgiving. But I had a surprise waiting for me in the garage. The car wouldn’t start. Our only vehicle was deader than dead. Not even a click when I turned the key in the ignition.
My mind went off in a thousand directions.
Just three weeks earlier the same thing had happened. What was going on? How were we going to pick up our son? Thanksgiving would be ruined!
Fortunately, my husband remained calm. Jose immediately called the same guy who’d towed our car three weeks earlier. (By this time he had quite a friendship going with Oswalt.) Then he called to rent a car, so we went to pick our son up as planned. Everything turned out fine (if you don’t count 2 hefty car repair bills in one month).
But for a few days my mind went off on a roller coaster ride of worry and woe
My thoughts turned to a chain of challenges our family had faced the previous months. I got myself worked up and worried rehearsing them over in my mind one by one. That roller coaster wasn’t taking me any place I wanted to go.
So I forced myself to get off of it.
By a sheer act of the will, I started recounting God’s goodness to myself (even though I didn’t feel like it one bit):
- He saved me from my sins.
- I have the assurance of forgiveness and a future with Him.
- He provides everything I really need.
- He sustains me by His word.
- He is my shelter in every storm.
- He has blessed me with a good marriage, family, and friends.
Little by little, reflecting on God’s goodness and thanking Him for it brought me to a place of rest and peace. I saw my life from a different slant.
A few days later, I sat in a room with my husband, children, mother, brothers, and their families. I realized some had been through hard times this year. My husband lost his mother. One family member had neck surgery, another broke his foot. Yet each person had a word of thanks. One by one, we went around the room recounting our blessings.
As this year comes to a close, let’s take time to reflect on the good things God has done for us.
Friend, maybe this year held some surprises that you weren’t counting on and didn’t like. Maybe like me, you’re tempted to get all worked up on that roller coaster of worry and woe. How about recounting God’s goodness instead? It just might bring you to a new place of rest.
Now it’s your turn: Did anything surprising happen to you in 2015? How did God show His goodness to you?
I’m linking up with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday. Writers all around the world join in a flash mob of free writing. This week’s prompt is “Reflect.” Join us over at Kate’s place for fun and encouragement. Also joining with Arabah Joy’s Grace & Truth, Susan B. Mead’s Dance with Jesus, and Deb Wolf’s Faith ‘N Friends.
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hi betsy, i’m your neighbor today. it is interesting to see how helpful it is to make the time to be thankful. once we stop and do it, we find more things to be thankful for don’t we? blessings as you celebrate christmas:)
You’re right Martha, it’s like a positive snowball effect. Gratitude grows and grows.
What sweet encouragement Betsy! I love the actual truths you focused on and how you really changed the outcome. Praise God for this message. May I do the same.
Thanks so much, Kelly. Have a blessed weekend, my friend.
Betsy, I’ve had a few of those unexpected “surprises” recently, and this really hits me this morning: “By a sheer act of the will, I started recounting God’s goodness to myself (even though I didn’t feel like it one bit).” So often, a sheer act of the will is exactly what it takes, isn’t it? And the results of recounting God’s goodness are so much better than when I revert to my default setting of worry or irritability! I’m glad your Thanksgiving was a happy one, despite the car trouble. 🙂
Sorry about those unexpected surprises lately, Lois. May God give you grace to keep recounting His goodness. Even if it’s a sheer act of the will. 🙂
Oh how I need to remember God’s constant care and goodness every moment of every day! It’s the only way to not jump into panic mode when those surprises come along. Thanks, Betsy.
Yes, it’s so easy to forget, isn’t it, Sabra? May the Lord give both of us special grace to stay grateful!
My daughter was diagnosed with having bipolar disorder–which was a blessing because it explained her behavior and helped me come to a better understanding of mental health problems in general (I confess that I have always been a little smug about my children’s good behavior. It’s a blessing to be humbled. Crazy, but true!
I didn’t realize that was just THIS year, Anita. As I’ve read some of your story, I thought you were recounting something that happened previously. Praise God she’s been diagnosed, but I know how hard it must be for you. Lifting a prayer for you and your daughter right now.
OOhh.. the Lord for sure has been good to me! Great post! thanks for encouraging me today Betsy! Blessed to be here again visiting you!
Oh, Betsy, I’m so thankful to hear about the way you talked to your soul! I need this reminder because I climb onto that negative roller coaster far too often. It’s not a fun ride, and I’m not fun to be with when I’m there. Taking not of that excellent verse from the psalms. In fact, it’s going into my pocket so I can learn it.
Yes, that roller coaster doesn’t get us anywhere, does it, Michele? I love that verse too. Simple wisdom.
Such truth, Betsy. I love that verse…jotted down the reference, so I can write it on a note card. Sorry about your car troubles. ((hug)) There sure is something to thanksgiving, isn’t there? It’s hard not to smile when considering the goodness of God in our lives. He’s so faithful. We’ve had a lot of unexpected things (as with any year). There are a few that stick out to me…Praise God He makes His home in our hearts. We’re so blessed. Thanks for sharing, Betsy. ~ Happy to be your neighbor at Susan’s place this morning. ~ (btw, love your picture with the birds and the snow and the autumn leaves…pretty. 🙂 )
I love that verse too. You should check out the one that follows it. It’s also wonderful. I just didn’t have time to put it up too since it was a 5 minute Friday post. Yes, He is good and faithful always. Thanks for reading today. I’m so honored.
What a great word, Betsy! Love the verse and reminder to, “Return to your rest…”
Your life sounds a lot like ours – kids in college, cars misbehaving! We may have to “talk” about stuff one of these days!
I found your post on Grace and Truth.
Hope you have a blessed weekend~
Thanks so much, Melanie! We do have a lot in common! Thanks for reading today.
Well, I survived a couple of near-death things…one three days ago.
I think that fills the bill.
Betsy, beautiful post. Yes, I’ve had some surprises this year, as well. I tend to have the same initial response you did. You’re so right, though. When we choose to focus on who God is, and not on our situations, we can return to a place of rest in Him. God has shown me that He is always enough for me and the things I face. I can rest in the truth that He’s holding me through everything that comes upon my path.
You certainly did have the challenges during the month of Thankfulness, didn’t you? LOL. This was so practical and something I need to do when I find my mind running down that same road. Loved your list of thankful things. Surprising things in 2015? I joined CBB, met wonderful new friends such as YOU, saw my dad through another surgery and late night ER visit, and found out I’m gonna be a Gigi to a girl this time! A year of thankfulness, indeed! (Oh yeah – and I killed my first buck – and the car will be out of commission until at least mid-January. Thankful we have other cars in the driveway during this time of year because kids are coming home!!!)
I love this, Betsy. Not the problems thrown your way last month, but your intentional reflection of God’s good. That changes everything! Blessings, friend.
Betsy … thanks for your emphasis on Scripture. Always. What more could we need when everything gets completely off kilter, but God’s steady reminders of His great love and tender mercies.
Thanks for the inspiration here. You spur us on well!
Weekend joys to you …
What a thought provoking post Betsy! Even though in my heart I know I am beyond thankful for all that God has done, sometimes my head gets in the way. I too have those moments of panic. Then I remind myself that God is not surprised by anything that is happening and I need to trust Him. I get overwhelmed in my heart just thinking of His goodness and I am humbled that He chose me to be a child of His. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post today. I am always blessed and encouraged by the thoughts that God has put on your heart. Blessings to you and yours the Christmas season!
What a great post! So so good to reflect on this stuff. I need to stop and remember His goodness more often!
Thank you, Lauren. We’re in the same boat. I need to do the same.
It’s when we think back we realise that God is by our side every step of the way.
God bless.
Yes, Victor, that is so true. He’s there EVERY STEP of the way.
Hi Betsy, your reflection is memorable. I appreciate that you pause, reflect and give thanks.
I pray your home receives a divine surprise. Keep well, Betsy.
Many Blessings to you.
Thanks Ifeoma. I hope you and your family enjoy the Christmas holidays. Blessings.
Hi Betsy! Great post, my friend. I was on a similar roller coaster today. We share much in common! Why do we choose to climb on such rides when they take us to nowhere we want to go? Thank you for sharing your life with us, and for continuing to point us to God’s truth. Love you, friend!
Thanks, Julie. I don’t know why I get on that roller coaster, but I do! Gotta stay grounded in God and His Word instead!
It’s amazing how reflecting on our blessings can shift our perspective, isn’t it? If only I were quicker to do so! Such a common rollercoaster. Thank you for sharing this testimony and encouragement, Betsy. Have a blessed Christmas!
You have a blessed Christmas, too, Kate. Thanks so much for reading my words today. I appreciate you.
Hi Betsy! Been awhile since I’ve popped by to visit but am so glad I did today. What challenging, encouraging words. Been wondering what you’ve been up to! Hope all is well!
Thank you, Richelle. I’m doing well. In Dallas, TX for 9 months, will return to our MidEast home in May. Blessings to you and your family, friend.
Betsy,
Like you, sometimes I really need to force myself off the roller coaster of worry and doubt. Gratitude and counting blessings is a great antidote for this. This year, I have been truly blessed with the articles of incorporation being filed and approved for Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. which right now keeps a school open and running for orphans and the destitute in Pakistan. God is working in mighty ways. So thankful that He is using me to help take the Good News into all the world.
Blessings to you,
Bev
Feeling grateful and saying prayers of Thanksgiving in rough times is almost like forcing myself to pray for people who have hurt me and whom I don’t like. And both scenarios help tremendously! Thanks for this lovely post to point it out.
I’ve been experiencing ugly situations at work that are making life uncomfortable and miserable. But you inspired me to say a prayer to thank God for this job and so many other blessings in my life. My job gives me the means to provide a good home for my kids without having to struggle. After prayer, all the awful incidents seemed to feel less stressful and less important, while the good things are magnified.
Amen! reflecting on the good things is a greet way to end our year or to end each day. We all need to get off that roller coaster to gain a different perspective. Hoping your week is going well! Hugs!
SUCH a good post here, Betsy! I’m so excited every time I see reminders of the Gospel and the steadfast of our Savior! Thank you for sharing this with us at Grace & Truth!