Note: This post first published on May 5, 2016.
“I’m quitting my job.”
It was the last thing I expected to hear from my ultra dependable, hard-working husband. And yet, looking back, I should’ve seen this coming. He’d been beaten down and overworked for far too long. I should’ve responded to his statement by wrapping him up in a giant hug.
Instead I hit freak-out mode. He was our sole bread winner. We were living in an expensive suburb of California. I stayed home with our daughter, homeschooled her in fact. And had zero desire to change our education plans.
Fast forward a few months, and my husband handed our house keys to our realtor, in essence declaring to her, our neighbors, our friends and one another that we didn’t plan on returning.
He’d turned his work keys in the night before.
My husband still hadn’t found a job, though we were hopeful. And I was panicked, like ready to vomit panicked, though I largely kept my emotions in check–to Steve and my daughter. My prayers, however, were another matter entirely:
Help us, Lord! Fix this! Give me just a hint that all this will work out.
Then, we packed our van, and headed for the Grand Canyon. For a family vacation.
Because everyone goes on vacation when unemployed right? Made perfect sense to me.
Not.
Long story short, God came through. My husband received a job offer that very day. Our house sold for full asking price. That very day. We went on our vacation and the Slattery family lived happily ever after.
Not. So not. Because life is full of upheavals, uncertainty, set-backs and gut-churning panic moments. But over the years, having made it through numerous unexpected and sometimes frightening situations, I’ve learned how to find peace in times of uncertainty. All I needed to do was follow, cling to, believe in, and live out, to the best of my ability, God’s wisdom and truth. Because His promises will never, ever fail.
The next time you’re facing a panicked moment, follow the steps laid out in Psalm 37:
3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand. (NLT)
Trust. Not in our circumstances, our spouse, our savings account or that job, but trust in the Lord. Remember His character. He is always and only faithful, loving and true. Remember His promises and how He has proved them true for you in the past. Center your mind on truth–what you know from God’s Word, and refuse to engage negative, fretful thinking.
Do good. God has a good, eternal work for us to do each day. Some days that ministering to a neighbor or serving the needy. Other times it’s building up our family and pointing them to Christ. Consider that God may have put you in the position you’re in, as uncomfortable or frightening as it may be, to touch a heart or reveal His grace through you. So do good. Serve Him in the hard and the easy. And take joy in knowing your purpose extends beyond you and your circumstances.
Delight in Christ. Draw near to Him through prayer, music, and Bible reading. Soak up His presence; let His Holy Spirit fill you completely, knowing He will be strong on your behalf. Don’t let the uncertainty of the moment rob you of the sweet treasure of resting in His presence.
Commit everything to Christ. I could likely write an entire book unpacking this one but I’ll sum it up with one word: surrender. Surrender the moment, the situation, yourself, your heart and plans, to God. Leave it all in His hands, knowing He’s working at this moment on your behalf.
Be still and wait patiently. He will fight for you. He is working out a plan for your life, for your family, for your marriage–for whatever you’re facing. You won’t move things along any faster by fretting, but you may when you take the time to be still in His presence, soaking up His strength and listening for His direction. At least, when you do that, there’s a much better chance you won’t do anything to make matters worse through a panicked reaction.
Follow. If you belong to Christ, your spiritual ears have been quickened so that you can recognize His voice (John 10:16). Scripture promises God will and does speak to us (Isaiah 30:21). Psalm 16:7 says, “Even at night my heart instructs me.” So listen. Then obey.
Let’s talk about this! What are some ways you grab hold of peace when life feels crazy and uncertain? Do you have any go-to verses you like to pray or meditate on? Any songs you find especially helpful?
Why don’t you write a book on surrender? I’d read it 🙂
You make me smile. Maybe one of these days. That certainly seems to be the driving message God has been speaking to my heart for the past 20 years! 🙂
Hi
I have a tricky situation with my 17 year old daughter who is struggling with mental and emotional illness … I have been down on my knees praying, for healing, for wisdom, discernment, I have been given the verse from exodus 14 so many times the Lord will fight for you – you need only to rest….. But I want to sort the situation my way, because of course I know best !!!! And I want it sorted immediately, like now …. I don’t want to see my daughter ill and suffering…. Every morning I pray that I will surrender the whole situation to the Holy Spirit but I still don’t feel at peace ….please pray that I will hand everything over to God and will be still and wait patiently
Thank you
Caroline,
That is so hard! It’s incredibly painful to see our kids struggle. I love how you’re clinging to God and His truth. Surrender and trust is a moment by moment choice, as I’m sure you’re aware. Do you have a support system of other moms who can pray with you and encourage you?
Hi
I have an amazing Christian support network of friends who are my prayer warriors …..its just so sad to see my daughter suffer so much and in such a dark dark place, I just can’t reach her… I know I am her mum and not God – and only he has the answer and the plan…. I have been on my knees in tears surrendering all to God but things are not getting any better…. I know he is fighting for me, and I need to rest in his loving arms, but am struggling…
Thanks you for your words today
C
That is so wonderful, Caroline! And amen!
“Be still and know that I am God” is one of my favorite verses. Lately, I’ve been practicing “Praise God in the storm.” For the first time in my life, I’m acknowledging I was born into a storm and it never stopped. Every day, pretty much all day, I have to remind myself to Praise God in the Storm.
I love that verse, too, Judy! That song, “Praise You in the Storm” came out when our family was going through a bout of unemployment, and it was such a challenge–a challenge that helped hold us together and keep us focused on Christ.