Disappointed But Not Hopeless

Y’all I was gonna try and avoid this post and publish this month’s DIY instead — but every time I try to write something else my thoughts take over — can’t avoid reality so I guess this is meant to be. I’m just being honest and hopefully something can be gained from where I’m going with this post.

During the middle of the night, recently, I woke up abruptly, this feeling of ‘unrest and overwhelm’ flooded my mind.

I won’t get terribly political (I hope) but here was some of what was rallying around up there: ‘for crying out-loud my husband works in the oil field, Biden seeks to replace oil with renewable energy…how will that impact our means of providing??…And popularizing abortion — an ugly option that isn’t a part of God’s plan. If you don’t want a baby, don’t have sex…Rape? Convict the criminal, not the innocent baby…there’s always adoption or the Witt residence. The desire to abolish the death penalty for a hardcore criminal but yet give the green flag go for an unborn human to receive the death penalty?? Come on. Call me crazy but I’ll never understand any reason or logic in that. Ever.’

**I’ve heard too many stories of doctors telling mamas their unborn child will be born with defects only to later give birth to a completely whole and healthy baby who grows up to do amazing things...And when the doctor happens to be right, well you go on and love that baby and every breath of their life just the same way Jesus does..

Sometimes it’s battle of the mind field running my life and I just need God to drop a truth-bomb. Because I know those thoughts obviously portray opinion, judgement and disgust.

Here’s what I have to remember: I’m not perfect, nor are my thoughts. I’m desperately in need of saving grace as much as anyone else.

In the quiet hours of the night, minus my busy mind, the Holy Spirit cut in — reminding me of a verse I haven’t read or heard in a very long while:

This verse, with such faultless timing, comes from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 when King Solomon and the people (Israel) had just finished worshiping God at a freshly built temple (a place to worship God) dedicated to Him.

Solomon sends the people home and later the Lord appears to him setting ground rules (including the above verse). He was the leader of what was known to be a stubborn nation and if Solomon followed God’s plan, blessing would come…if not, a nation (Israel) would come to ruin.

Eventually sin ensued and most of the kingdom was lost (see chapter 12). Solomon had lost his way to idols in the form of power, riches, and sexuality and as a result Israel suffered.

I can’t help but notice how applicable this verse is even now, all these years later. That’s the beautiful thing about scripture — it never fades out.

God wants our attention. He wants our hearts. He wants our repentance.

God wants the same requests of us that He asked over Solomon along with Israel.

Our leadership is corrupt. We, as sinful people, are problematic. None of us are perfect.

BUT…

We’ve all been given the same fair opportunity and we all live under the same God-willing expectation:

To humble ourselves. To pray. To seek God’s face. To turn from our wicked ways.

Just as recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Perhaps when we do so, God will hear from Heaven and heal our land…united as one.

Will we act in obedience to God’s direction or push it off just as Solomon did with a trail of destruction dragging behind?

I can only do my part…take up self-control, admit fault, seek forgiveness, cling to God, and aim to do better through His perfection, which is where I’m at right now.

I don’t want to live in anger or disgust and I can only overcome that negative mindset because of God’s goodness, mercy, and grace with grounded faith as I commune with Him.

By my example and others who are on the same page, I pray that a testimony would show to those watching and that a contagious result would follow for His purpose.

I pray that we (as a nation) truly would encourage one another and work toward a turn around — with God as our ultimate leader and hope for healing. Only by His way will we move forward.

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

47 thoughts on “Disappointed But Not Hopeless”

  1. I am glad you are not hopeless. 😊All things change but God remains.
    “It is He who changes the times and the periods;
    He removes kings and appoints kings;
    He gives wisdom to wise men,
    And knowledge to [a]people of understanding.” Daniel 2:21
    We don’t know why but God appointed Joe Biden as our next president. We have to hold on to that and trust God knows what He is doing. ❤❤❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  3. Amen Alicia! Powerfully said. I agree that we, as a nation, must get on our knees before our Holy God. Though the recent times make this so evident, our nation for a very long time has been sliding away from God. God can and will forgive, but not before we as a nation bow to Him. I prat that as individuals we may live out this resolve in a such a way that others get on board as well.
    When those unsettling thoughts come, may I suggest praying and meditating on Isaiah 26:3-4 (yes I’ve got the memorized!): You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal (NIV).
    I love how this points out that God’s peace is perfect. We need only to trust Him to experience it.
    Blessings to you and your family,
    Pastor Chuck

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      2. Ahhh I just hate feeling like it’s a crime to speak against it…it does cause me to feel judgmental of course…but surely Jesus would speak against it too.
        Thanks so much Viv, seriously thank you for the encouragement.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Such an encouraging post for these times, Alicia! I, too, am very burdened at how things are right now in so many ways. And I’ve been convicted that I need to be as burdened for the furtherance of God’s kingdom; the sin in my own heart; and giving solid godly answers to those who are angry and searching. May God help us in the days ahead.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Yes praying for God’s help right along with you!! I don’t at all like this feeling of unrest but I know God is the answer to overcome! The closer I stay to Him the more I feel hope and peace. And I know I want to set a good example for His glory!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Yes we all have to hold ourselves accountable and hopefully with God’s leading we’ll see change in our world for the better…and of course the fullness won’t come until Heaven.❤️
      Thanks so much for reading Gary!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you! It helps reading these encouraging comments..this was a hard one to push publish on. I never want to sound hypocritical when I know darn well I’m full of flaws myself.

      Like

      Reply

  11. Little sister I appreciate your gentle spirit and tender heart. I appreciate your sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

    Yes this is a time of turmoil and confusion. We are living in a time that seems to fulfill what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3 about the last days.

    When our hearts grieve over injustice and we pray about it, it is also a way of the Holy Spirit laying a burden on our heart for prayer. But after praying, we need to remember what Jesus said- In this world you will have trouble, but cheer up. I have overcome the world.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m anxious to follow up and go read 2 Timothy 3 now!
      I’m thankful I know the truth that Jesus has overcome, that’s actually a verse I’ve been encouraged on lately.❤️
      I hope you are well! Thanks for reading and encouraging Matt!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. How I pray that we as people who know the Lord as our Savior will remember we can trust the Lord during this time. He sets up governments and He takes them down, The Lord did not abdicate His throne and we do set a poor example when we act like He has done just that. Love that verse, my friend. I will start by trusting the Lord by remembering He is and does good

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, yes, yes we desperately need to spur one another on!! It’s so easy to be frustrated and discouraged in these times but even simply reading these comments (communicating with fellow believers) makes me feel such a positive difference!!🙏🙏🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Amen and amen! I completely agree with you! I have the same prayer – that we all one together. I have stayed away from the news and media because they’re trying to divide us even more. I pray America will be great again and turn to God, not man. Honestly, I’ve been so worried and afraid for our future, but I know that I have to give all that to God. Only He knows the outcome and He works all things together for good.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. We sure do live in perilous times, Alicia. Through it all, we know God is always in control. It’s hard to shut down the thoughts of a deep thinker at night. We go, go, go all day long. I pray you get sweet sleep tonight! 💜🙏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. Pingback: Disappointed But Not Hopeless — For His Purpose – QuietMomentsWithGod

    1. Thank you so much for sharing this post!! The encouragement shows that we have God-loving people who are still striving so hard to show God to a messy, hurting world. Sweet blessings!! Praying to see positive change for Him!!!

      Like

      Reply

  18. We are in the world and it is important to be vigilant and of course to pray for those we don’t like as much, or more so, than those we do, but I think this global situation this year has woken everyone up and hopefully all of the church – to our need for repentance and re-dedication. I think the Holy Spirit is doing a timely shake up and a refreshing of our stale habits… Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes definitely and I need that wake-up as much as anyone else…I always need the accountability and staying in the Word helps me to keep on track and take inventory of where I need to clean up my thoughts or actions!
      Thanks for reading and commenting!! Take care!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment