> Practical Family Living

There are times in life that we find ourselves in the midst of confusion. Confusion especially occurs when there are things we are unsure of in ourselves and in our relationships with others. We may find ourselves waiting, wondering, and hoping we come out of it soon.

This confusion is much like that time of year when the season of winter is slowly fading into the season of spring. The days can seem long and dreary. Cloud cover can feel like it goes on for days. There is even a diagnosis for a sense of depression during this season, because it has the capacity to affect people in profound ways.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. The thought of their wandering actually brings me relief! When I think of my own "wandering" and sense of "lostness", I remember them. I remember the faithfulness of my Father as He fed them manna from heaven. I remember how He faithfully drew water from a rock to quench their thirst. He led them forth in a cloud and did not leave them, nor did He forsake them. They did not know what their next step would be, but He did.

Fear usually speaks intrusively into our hearts and minds during transition. It may say we are going too slow, or we are going too fast. It may say we are stupid, or foolish or crazy. It may try to convince us that we have no purpose, or that this period is a complete waste and that we are ruining our lives. This is when we need to shout "ENOUGH!" "I don't have to listen to this!" "I am trusting that I am right where I need to be today, in this moment, and that God is bringing me through in ways I know, and in ways I do not know."

Indeed, God is working in our hearts, minds and lives to heal us. He is working to restore us and to transform us. We cannot begin to know the extent to which God is taking care of every detail of our lives. We can feel the hand of God as He takes our hand in His. We can trust Him. We can be at peace because we are resting in the bosom of the Father.

Our Messiah has come. We can be at peace. We do not have to act out of urgency, fear or panic. We can trust that God will guide us each day, and that each day has purpose in His kingdom. Clarity will come. The days will become warmer. The sun will shine again. Just hold tight to the hand of your daddy.