“Mommy, where did the moon go?” My daughter asked on our morning walk to her older brother’s kindergarten class.
“The moon is still in the sky, we just can’t see it.” I paused, knowing this wouldn’t satisfy her excellent question. “Well, the sun needs a turn, too.”
Her furrowed brows relaxed as she nodded her head. My response was adequate … for the time being.
Later that evening, I received a phone call from my husband while I was preparing dinner.
“I didn’t pass the probation period. I’ve been released from my job.” His voice was flat. “I won’t be home for a while. I need some time to think.”
I dished up the meal for my three young children but had lost my appetite. We were a single income family. I had quit my job in order to be home. What were we going to do?
“Where are you, God?” I questioned, tears streaming down my cheeks.
Silence.
“God, I really need to know You are here and that we are going to be okay.”
Like an instant download in my mind, I recalled a Psalm I had recently read. In verse one, the Psalmist (most likely King David) cried out to God.
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of troubles?” Psalm 10:1 NIV
This was exactly how I felt. But then I remembered there seemed to be a change of heart and attitude by the end of the Psalm. In fact, I had noticed this pattern in many of the Psalms.
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
What had changed Psalmist’s mind? I wondered.
As I listened to my children chatter while they ate, clueless to our family’s sudden and seemingly dire situation, I recalled my daughter’s question that morning—and more importantly, my response: “the moon is still in the sky, we just can’t see it.”
Although my circumstances had changed since that morning,
God had not.
Just like the moon, He was still there even though I couldn’t see Him or even “feel” Him.
“The sun needs a turn, too.”
In the words of King David’s son, Solomon, “For everything there is a season.”
The real question was, would I choose to trust Him in this difficult season as I had in the good ones?
It’s been years since that day when the Father laid a firm foundation of trust in my life. He spoke to me through His Word and through my little girl. Like the expert Builder, He has continued His “faith building” project within me. Of course, I have found myself in a number of difficult seasons and situations, crying out to God in despair only to default to the core truth of the foundation He has built upon as I have grown in my relationship with Him.
The Lord is near. As close as my very breath. And He will never leave.
Almighty Father, thank you for consistently teaching me that You are trustworthy and are always near. I know I still need work in the area of trusting You even when I can’t “feel” You. Help me to rest in Your perfect will today.
I’d love to hear your thoughts or prayer requests in the comments below.
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So so good Beckie! He is so faithful and so good! I am thankful to be on this faith-building journey alongside you.
Thank you!
Eve
Eve, Amen and Amen! We serve a good God. I too, am grateful to have friends like you to spur me on in this journey.
Blessings!
Beckie, this so resounds with the plights of those impacted by the recent government shutdown. Danny worked for EPA for 27 years, and was affected temporarily by those shutdowns in the past, but he always made sure in all those pay periods to set aside funds in case of emergency. Sadly, that can’t be said for all who are now doing without, although the Congress has already guaranteed their back pay, and they can go to their credit unions for a loan to float them through.
In times of trial and trouble, only the Lord will truly see us through. I can only imagine the fear and trepidation you felt after receiving that phone call from your husband so many years ago, but you chose to lean on God instead of falling apart at the seams.
My son-in-law, John, is currently out of work, but not due to the shutdown. I would so appreciate your prayers for him, my daughter, Sarah, and for the grands. Thank you, blessed friend!
Martha, thanks for reminding us to pray for those who have been impacted by the recent government shutdown. It is my honor to pray for John, Sarah, and their family.
Lord Jesus, I lift up this sweet family to Your care. I pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard their hearts and minds as they wait for the right job for John. I ask, Lord that a job comes soon.
Beckie — all I can say is that God is faithful- even when we can’t see.
Thanks
Del
Del, Amen! And I am so very grateful.
Beckie, thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
I have been struggling these last few weeks dealing with some major issues in my life, Then somewhere around 3 am this morning I came to a point that I just wanted to quit/give up.
I couldn’t stop crying and as I cried out to God I felt that I needed to PM’d a friend from a church that I attend online. Not that I expected him to respond with an answer or solution, but simply because I have made a promise that I would make a connection when I feel so hopeless in life.
All day today I have been basically holding my breath, fighting the urge to just toss everything to the curb and call it quits. Not sure how or why anything of this life will work out.
Tonight was the first night of my online church’s first annual conference – I logged in and received some encouragement – a ray of hope in the darkness.
Then I checked my email and found your blog email in my inbox. As I read this it reminded me that it is true… I can trust God. He is still there even when the darkness surrounds me and I can’t feel Him in the room. So thank you for this encouragement and insight.
Castle, I’m so sorry to hear it’s been such a hard period in your life. Thank you for sharing. What a blessing to hear that you received encouragement from your online church and this post.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for how You speak through Your people. I pray You will continue to bring hope and encouragement to this dear sister. May she feel wrapped in Your loving presence even now. I push back the enemy who lies and steals our joy. Continue to show Castle your faithfulness in tangible ways, Lord.
In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Amen Ms. Beckie! When God doesn’t seem to respond to me when I ask this, I immediately start looking inward to see what in my life is not allowing His light to shine in my life. He’s always there, I just block my view too often.
J.D. Looking inward when we feel God is not with us is a great place to start. Sin has a way of creeping in and blocking our ears to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for reminding us of that.
Blessings!
Such a powerful analogy, Beckie. We’ve been in the same situation before. And I love how David is so vulnerable and honest with His cries to God.
So thankful God doesn’t change in His faithfulness even when our circumstances haven’t changed. Yes, He never leaves us.
Karen, Yes and Amen!
This is a powerful story, Beckie! It’s so hard to see past a trial when we’re hit in the face with devastating news or difficulty! I struggle in the moment … then I look back and see His faithfulness …. and many times I remember that when another problem arises, but, sometimes …. i doubt still. He offers me new mercies, thankfully, when I fail, and I try to do better the next time!
Julie, Amen! ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never cease. His mercies never come to an end. They are new each morning.’
I’m so grateful for His love and patience. Journaling has helped me a ton.
Thanks for your comment.
God bless!
Such a beautiful story of God’s faithfulness, Beckie. Isn’t it amazing how He sends messages through our children to us? Your daughter’s great question and your thoughtful response provided the seed to strengthen your faith that night when you most needed God’s assurance. Thank you for sharing this wonderful and inspiring story. Wishing you a blessed week-end.