A Second Childhood

In an ideal world, we would all be raised in loving, stable, God-fearing homes. From infancy we would learnt His love, faithfulness and protection through the natural love and guidance of our parents. We would learn to use our gifts and abilities to explore life around us and grow in the confidence that challenges can be faced and overcome. Of course, we do not live in an ideal world. Some children are born into confusing, fearful environments where they learn to live in a state of perpetual anxiety and dread that carries well into adulthood.

Regardless of the experience that you were born into, whether you had a childhood you cherish, one you shudder to remember or something in between, let me encourage you, there is hope!

Someone who I respect greatly recently told me that God is less concerned at present with justice and more concerned with redemption. What that means is that despite the pain and unfairness of circumstances you didn't ask for, God has a beautiful story of redemption planned for you. And it starts here. Or there. Or way in the distance. It begins any moment that you ask Him to show you the way. His plan is restoration and it is a perpetual covenant of renewal and grace...His mercies are new every morning.

He will gently lead and guide you into the fullness of joy and peace that He has created for all His children, but it will take relearning. You may have become so trained and practiced in seeing the negative and expecting the worst that learning to trust again will be difficult. God is patient and kind. He will hold your hand and strengthen you as you submit your mind to His words of healing and truth.

God's offers us a second childhood. Another chance to learn the reality of His love, faithfulness and tender care.

It's called redemption.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Little Gifts

Have you ever experienced a moment when something unexpected happens, something undeserved and so surprising that you just know that God has been working on your behalf? I'm sure you have, whether you have recognised those moments for what they are or put them down to happy coincidences.

Today, one of those little gifts landed on my doorstop. In my letterbox, actually. An answer to a dilemma that had arisen just a few months ago. It's knotty implication had the potential to send me into a tailspin and yet somehow, deep down, I knew things would be ok. I just didn't realise how fast the Lord would work on my family's behalf. Isn't it funny how some things happen so quickly while other answers are years in the making?

I was reminded once more that my future is in safe hands. That there is a season to everything. That my Heavenly Father is working on my behalf, unbeknown to me, ready and willing to bring His blessings to pass in my life. In these moments, I am yet again convinced that worry is not only a complete waste of time but a deception designed to rob our peace. An answer is always on the way - regardless of how quickly or how slowly it is to arrive - and the child who reminds themselves of this is the child who can rest in the Peace of Christ.

God is faithful!

'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.'

James 1:17

Anchor Point

Over the course of my life, my doubts and worries have set me drifting restlessly like a boat on a storm-tossed sea. My temptation is to turn every fearful thought over in my head, somehow believing that if I think it through enough, I can make it disappear. Unfortunately, even when I manage to solve one concern, another one crops up before I even have a chance to catch my breath.

This is the nature of fear. Like the constant thrash of the waves, it is merciless, snatching the peace that Christ has given to us and leaving us exhausted and battle-weary. Of course, there are times when questions and concerns must be faced squarely, but often we must make the cold and deliberate decision to fix our thoughts on God's Truth regardless of our doubts and permeable emotions.

The unshakeable reality is that my position on God's Word cannot possibly alter its certainty. However, the peace of my journey depends largely on whether I choose to anchor myself to God's reality or allow myself to be tossed by fearful fantasies.

I have an anchor point. He is more certain than anything I dream up, any emotion that tugs at my faith and any experience that leaves me questioning.

Praise God, He is a Rock unshakeable!

'The Lord on high is mightier

Than the noise of many waters,

Than the mighty waves of the sea.'

Psalm 93:4

Changes

Moments of uncertainty. Someone once told me that these are opportunities: they are proof to the flexibility of our life and lead us into new options, paths and variations.

For me, uncertainty leaves me quaking. I like the familiar and the predictable. Even if the familiar is not working so well.

These days, my thinking is being pushed to new parameters. I am realising that my approach needs to change. I have friends for whom change fills them with excitement and energy. I guess it depends on the types of change. I certainly have friends who are comfortable enough in their knowledge of the hand of God that even unpleasant changes soon become rhythmic and adaptable.

The comforting realisation for me of late is that my thinking does not alter the certainty of my position in this life, which is safely tucked in the hand of God. Hedged in front and behind and with His hand to guide me. Quaking or not, this is as much truth for me as it is for my sure-footed friends. We have the same Father and because of that, our future is certain.

'Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10

Foundations

So here I sit on my sunny verandah and it is the first of firsts. The first time I write without an audience to a little black hole in the universe. It is a diary of sorts: a record of my travels. The destination? A deeper walk with the Lord. An understanding that will slowly transform this weary, tired and confused little body into certainty, comfort and confidence in Christ.

As I write, I struggle with anxiety. It has always been there, lurking beneath the daily in various forms and strengths throughout my life. At times it is so small - my mind so certain of the truths the Lord has revealed that I feel I will never again doubt, never be swayed by fear and uncertainty. And then, life happens and I'm thrust once more into the crashing waves, disorientated and uncertain that my Stronghold is secure.

It is a strange and humble thing how permeable this little body of ours is. My heart can thump and my mind can spin, but somewhere, far within I sense a deep still. A gentle calling to a higher understanding of who my God is. Slowly, but surely, He is untangling the mess of thoughts and imaginations that cast me into fear. And what is fear, but a false reality? The misuse of our creativity to dream up a world without the safety of a Loving Father.

But that is not our destiny. It is a terror untrue. The faithfulness of God means that He cannot and will not leave His children comfortless.

'And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.'

John 14:17-18