For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven…
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7
I’m thankful for the fact that when I don’t have words to say, the Bible says it all for me. It’s no secret if you’ve read this blog in recent months or know me personally, that I have had some tough stuff to work through. In addition to not having much spare time or brain power to compose thoughts into sentences, I have felt God asking me to keep my words between me and Him.
I have learned to trust God more and more through each year and circumstance that I live through, so I know that when He says to be silent, I had better do it. Otherwise, I’ll only leave behind some embarrassing word vomit that makes everyone feel uncomfortable.
I’ve been going through the Bible study “Breaking Free” by Beth Moore for the last few months on my own, and in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been able to actually face some of the fears and strongholds that have had me bound up and unable to live a life that’s free in Christ. A whole bunch of concepts and terms I thought I understood for most of my life have become clear to me in a new way. Soaking up God’s Word while persevering through trials has a way of humbling and growing a believer like no book, blog post, or wise word can.
Today, for example, as I was doing my study, I read one of those short phrases that spoke volumes to my soul. Exodus 2:23-25 is describing the turmoil the Israelites were experiencing after 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Here’s what it says:
“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.“
I read and re-read those last three words many times. I feel at a loss to describe all that I’m feeling after coming out of a season of trials.
But God knows.
I don’t know what to say to people who mean well, think they’re informed, but honestly don’t know the whole story.
But God knows.
I am hurt, but by God’s amazing grace have come to a place of forgiveness, by people who meant harm.
And God knows that, too.
I’ve spent a lot of time feeling robbed of the kind of favor I thought God would bring when I claimed this year, “the year of the LORD’s favor.”
And God knew, even before tragedy grew deeper, that He doesn’t lie and He always keeps His promises.
Today I felt God nudge me to share a bit of my heart with others. And I felt scared a little because I have no idea where to begin. I’m walking out of the prison I’ve been in, but the journey to the Promised Land is far from over. I haven’t arrived at a place where I feel like I can share something that will encourage someone else’s heart.
Yet God knew that you, my friend, would be the one reading these words.
So I’m praying that you find hope, comfort, and joy in knowing that whatever struggle you are facing, God knows! Even better, He is working it all out for your good. (Romans 8:28)
Linking up with the Soli deo Gloria Sisterhood.