James 1

I couldn’t sleep. Again.

So I went to my daily Bible devotion on YouVersion early. The focus was on Isaiah 26:3. I felt comfort in the verse. Therefore, I decided to use that verse for a post. Well, I guess God had other plans.

I went to my Bible Hub app and searched for Isaiah 26:3. I tried three times and it was deleted from my search box all three times. I looked at what was already on display on the page. James 1. I wondered if there was something in there I needed to read. Listening to God.

I cannot share all that has happened to our family this past weekend, which has continued into this week. It truly is beyond comprehension. Never have we had this much tragedy, fear, loss, and feelings of helplessness and bewilderment in such magnitude. It’s not just one thing, nor does it affect just one person. My thought is: Satan can just stop now.

So I began to read.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Okay…
Trials of various kinds. ✔️
Testing of our faith. ✔️

Count it all joy…not so much. At least not yet.

Steadfastness so we can become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Hmmmmm….well, as of this moment, I feel there is barely anything left of me as I merely move through the motions with each passing day. And I honestly don’t even know what day it is anymore.

I continued reading.

Wisdom. Yes, I recently posted those verses. I continued down to verse 12.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

These words reappeared. Steadfast. Trials. Testing.

I suppose this is where my focus should be instead wishing to get off this merry-go-round.

I was drawn to read James 1 for a reason. Maybe God knew that not only I needed to hear this but someone else needed to be reminded as well.

The reality is I am tired. Spent. Not only me but my whole family. We need rest. And I need to grieve badly because I haven’t had that opportunity. But the message today is that God doesn’t want us to quit. Or jump off the merry-go-round. Trust in him.

I will end with the verse I was searching for in the first place because it is beautiful.

Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Today I will strive to keep my mind focused on God, first and foremost, trusting him, finding peace…with an understanding that these trials are for a reason.

Prayers for our family would be appreciated.

♥️

Andi