Alphabet For The Soul--S is for Suspense
Happy Monday, friends!
You may have noticed we went from Q last week to S this week. That's because I made an oops and skipped Q and went from P to R. If you missed the R post, you can find it here. Phew. Glad to be caught up.
I don't know about you, but I like to be in control. Well, at least think I'm in control, but the fact is I'm not. God is, and He knows best. I don't. I can't see the big picture or the front of the tapestry. I can only see the back, which at times looks messy, complicated and incomplete. God sees the final image. He sees, from eternity, the plans He has for us, and knows what our lives will look like when He takes us home to Heaven--when we'll be complete in Him.
The Unseen
To be perfectly honest I struggle with this a lot. I mean really struggle. I like to know how everything is going to unfold. I don't like what appear to be unpleasant surprises or bumps in the road. And, believe me, my road is full of speed bumps I can't foresee.
Life is full of unforeseen speed bumps, as I like to call them. You know the struggles that jar us, that seem to pop out of nowhere, that jolt us and slow us down. Those struggles. They hurt, and we're often left wondering 'why?' Why couldn't God let us at least see it coming, but then that's the thing. Would it hurt less if we saw it coming? I doubt it.
In fact, I think just the opposite would happen. I think it would hurt more because we'd see all the bumps ahead on the narrow path and fear we'd never make it through. But God knows we will with His grace. He's got us. He carries us over those bumps and knows it's the path we need to take. He keeps us in suspense to protect our hearts from needless worry and fretting. He says in His Word:
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs." ~Luke 12:29-30 NLT
He knows what we need. He sees the path. The bumps in the road, in our lives, don't surprise Him. I love the Message's translation of this same verse:
“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself."
~Luke 12:29-30 MSG
Enjoy the Moment
God provides for all our needs. Most especially, I believe, for our struggles. He keeps us in suspense because He loves us and because He knows He has us. I believe....
If we could see the future we'd lose the joy of the moment.
It's why God keeps us in suspense.
So, take a deep breath and relax. He's got this. He's got you. Please don't think I'm saying this lightly. I need to remind myself of this daily. Multiple times a day in fact. It's one of my speed bumps. A recurring one. How I wish I was a fast learner, but I trust God will carry me through this season, through this struggle. I simply need to rest in Him.
For Further Study:
- Psalm 46:10
- Isaiah 41:10
- Philippians 4:6
- Psalm 62:1-7
How about you? Do you struggle with worry, the need to control, or are you entrusting your life to your Savior--all of it, even the messy, bumpy bits?
Download today’s Coloring page
“S” for Suspense
If you have not already, you can also download the front and back cover below:
To see all letters and download all coloring pages, go to the Alphabet for the Soul page.
Blessings,