Almost a month ago, I had a really tough week. A personal situation (outside of my family) went down that left me feeling battered, abused, and simply tired.
I mourned friendships that were never to be. I felt incredibly alone, despite the fact that my seven sweet children were underfoot. As an introvert, making friends is very hard for me to do, although I desire them immensely.
One day while in my sorrow, my older girls and I began our weekly Bible study together. The topic was “Seeking Treasures.” Isn’t it funny when the Lord opens our eyes to His truth when we are supposedly teaching our children instead? While I might not be seeking physical treasures, it dawned on me that I was seeking human recognition.
I had made a choice that was pleasing to the Lord, but I was still fearing what others might think of me. I was making a trap for myself. Proverbs 29:25 puts it this way…”The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
What does this have to do with the desires of our hearts? Well, my desire was for friendship. The Lord opened my eyes to the fact that He is the very best friend that I could ever have. God desires to have a close, intimate relationship with us. Sometimes, the lack of friendships will give us the time to focus more solely on our walk with God. This time can also be given more fully to my family, which as mothers, is our first and most important ministry.
If our desire is to receive worldly recognition, fame, money, or possessions, we can bet that these desires might remain unfulfilled. But when we line up our desires with God’s will…well, then amazing things will happen! He will truly begin to change us and shape us to become more like Him. Our prayer must be “less of me and more of You” for this to take place. We will see our desires changing right before our eyes. We will want what God wants, love what God loves, and hate what God hates. How amazing is that!
Our God loves us so much, and we can take this truth to the bank: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Ladies, if we love God in return, are walking in His purposes, and are lining our desires up to His, then all things are working for our good. Let’s rest in this truth!
Possibly linking to these awesome link parties.
I can totally relate to this post. Mourning friendships that just weren’t meant to continue. And then realizing later on that it was God’s best plan for that person to be out of my life. He had things He wanted me to do and I couldn’t do them with that other person in the way. And, yes, it is so hard for us introverts to make friends.
Amen Aimee. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
The is a beautiful reminder. I need to meditate on this more for awhile. Thank you for showing me a different way to look at a friendship I am “mourning” right now. It keeps me up at night and you’ve given me something else to meditate on.
Prays for your beautiful heart Nicole (even if they are late 🙂 ).
Thank you so much Deborah, I am doing quite well at the moment. God is good! I will be praying for you too.
This is a BEAUTIFUL reminder, thank you for sharing. <3
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kindness!
“As an introvert, making friends is very hard for me to do, although I desire them immensely.”——– Wow, this is an exact description of me. Thanks for posting.