What I’m Learning by Melissa Hicks

 

Can you think of a time when you felt the rug was pulled out from under you?

Recently my daughter’s pre-K teacher requested a conference with me and the director of the preschool. Based on her tone of voice, I thought we would discuss my daughter’s brilliance.

Instead, she suggested that I seek psychological evaluation for my daughter’s behavior.

I was devastated. This had never crossed my mind, especially the condition at which the teacher was hinting.

  • To say I was stunned would be an understatement.
  • To say I was upset would be underplaying my emotions.

As I headed back to my car, my instinct was to immediately seek comfort from someone. I first called my husband to let him know what had transpired, and why he might find his wife in a puddle on the floor when he got home. He was at the dentist and would have to call me back.

I felt desperate to talk to someone.

I wanted to call a friend, but I could not in good conscience talk to anyone else before my husband.

Then the Holy Spirit gently whispered through my thoughts, “What about Me? Should you talk to anyone else before Me?”

What I’m Learning 

 “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress, and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.”–Proverbs 31:1-3

I felt the Lord beckoning me to come to Him, to wait before calling anyone else. There would be time to do that later. Instead, He encouraged me to come to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28).

The Message translation of Psalm 31 says, “I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me down!”

When struggling with what to do about my daughter, why not run to the One who made her? Why run to others who can only provide superficial comfort?

Why run to others who can only provide superficial comfort?

Friends and family are a great support, and the Holy Spirit often works through them and minister to us. I believe the Lord, in His desire for a relationship with us, longs for us to run to let Him quiet us as a mother comforts her child (Isaiah 66:13).

 

How I’m Learning

  • Respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As I realized God was nudging me to come to Him first, I poured out my heart to Him through prayer. I also sang along with worship music.
  • Receive comfort by reflecting on the Psalms. One way I relate to God when I’m upset is to read and think about God’s many promises found in the Psalms.

As I gave God my attention and trust, my peace returned and I was comforted.

Think About It

 Crisis can come in many ways.

Maybe your challenge is a diagnosis you weren’t prepared to hear, an unexpected revelation from a spouse, or an ultrasound that is deathly quiet. Perhaps you face the challenge of a long deployment or the loss of a friend in combat. Could be, you’re stressed or overwhelmed with an unrelenting operational tempo of military life.

Whatever the crisis, God is there.

  • Who do you turn to first in a crisis?
  • What stops you from trusting God first?
  • How can you remind yourself to seek God first?

 

All In:

Whatever the situation, remember God is All In with you.

Turning to Him releases All In dependence on Him.

He is our refuge, and so let’s courageously seek God first in every difficult situation. Promising to be our rock, God is a refuge of strength and comfort. He will give us peace unlike any other.

Pray About It:

Lord, thank You for being a refuge in the midst of our challenges. Help us remember to trust You at all times, especially in a crisis. Thank You for being a fortress of strength today. Amen.

 

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