Troubled Waters
Thick, black oil continues to erupt beneath the ocean. Its devestating damage has reached our coast and is threatening the coasts of our neighbors including my hometown of Pensacola, Florida. The sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach intensifies with each news update.
It’s no secret that I love the ocean, the beach, the coast. It’s the peaceful place I retreat to. But it’s not just the beauty of God’s amazing handiwork at stake. Our wildlife, seafood industries, the way of life for so many people, our already weak economy—all at risk. Yet no answer has been found to stop the flow, no agreement reached on the solutions offered for clean-up. Only a rapid invasion of oil and conflict over what should be done and who should do it.
Meanwhile, troubles have stirred the waters of life all around me. Like the rapidly growing oil spill, darkness oozes out, covers everything it touches and threatens my family, my life. Trouble everywhere. A family member in the clutches of the enemy seemingly refuses to be set free. And so many people are affected. Unexpected conflict has escalated in other areas to the point of desperation for the hand of God. That’s not necessarily such a bad place to be. Unaware of how prideful we have become we forget that we are nothing without Him. So we keep doing things our way.
And then after the thirtieth consecutive battle with a three-year-old we are at our wit’s end and finally surrender. To the Lord, not the three-year-old.
It’s so easy for emotions to take front and center in the midst of a crisis or confict. Especially for this emotionally high-strung woman. Tonight I read this post by Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries and was so blessed by her wisdom on conflict resolution. Indeed, “feelings should be indicators not dictators.”
Like BP and the US Government, I don’t have all the answers. I cannot still the waters. My attempts only stir them more. He is the Peacespeaker.
So instead of surrendering to what I’m feeling I am trying to focus on the truth of His Word. After all, It stands forever whereas my emotions change faster than my three-year-old’s these days. I don’t have all the answers to the many problems unfolding. I certainly don’t know how to stop the oil. I cannot work out the salvation of my family member in bondage. I can’t resolve the conflict around me. But this I can do: love through prayer.
Because love still covers.
I have a close family member who rejected God a few years ago. Since then, he’s become bi-polar. I used to have a lot of trouble out of him. Lying, & all around difficult. Anyway, he’s okay even though a litte too zonked, while on medication. Governor Jindal will be at Church Sunday, & I suspect he’ll address the oil spill issue. Have a good day!
Andy
Oh, sweet Rena… you are certainly not alone. Many of us have loved ones that have strayed far from the path. It is painful to watch, and many times leaves us feeling helpless. But the best thing we can do is love them through prayer just like you’ve said. {hugs}
Trusting with you as always,
Gin
Love this Rena–I needed that reminder to not surrender to the emotion but to God.
Came here because of Lisa-Jo’s post today.
Thanks for the reminder that we can’t always stop the gushing oil, but we can always turn to the one who gushes unending love for us and goes out of His way to die to grant us salvation.
Aren’t we thankful we know the One who calms the waters? Thank you for sharing your story…all of it…every day.
I too am a Gulf Coast Gal, so I much understand your pain and emotions here in this post. Wonderful, honest post. Thank you for sharing!
Came here via The Gypsy Mama. :o)
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