Ever feel like you’re at a masquerade ball with your mask of happiness on, so people won’t know your true pain?
I know I wear my mask sometimes. It’s understandable that we wear it at times. But if you’re hurting, how do I know?
If I really knew your pain, I’d let you know that you’ll get through it.
Yes, you’ll get through it.
“You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime don’t be foolish or naïve. But don’t despair either. With God’s help you will get through this.” ~ Max Lucado: You’ll Get Through This
• God will use the evil for GOOD. (Genesis 50:20)
This is my favorite go to verse in times of hurt and pain. I know everything is for God’s glory – EVERYTHING, so this reminder helps.
• God will be with you at ALL times. (Isaiah 43:2)
• God is with YOU wherever you are in your life. (Genesis 28:15)
When you are wearing that mask, he is with you.
• God has an amazing plan for YOUR life. (Isaiah 55:8-13)
This can be hard to believe, but hold on to this promise!
• God is your HOPE. (Psalm 42:5)
• God is your STRENGTH. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I’m not a fan of hope deferred because I’m extremely optimistic, which leads me to disappointment at times, but knowing that it all ends up for God’s glory helps me put one foot in front of the other.
• God wants you to REST in him. (Psalm 37:7)
Read His word, sing His praises, follow His people, and take joy in knowing that you don’t have to do a thing, because God has got this.
• God’s ways are PERFECT. (Psalm 18:30)
• God has made everything BEAUTIFUL. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
• God’s plan is ABUNDANT. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Everything is for God’s glory – at all times. If we only knew how much He loved us we would never, ever doubt His plan.
“Remember you have a choice. Remember to let peace rule. Remember to believe God’s truth even when it doesn’t feel true. Remember that your life is hidden with Christ in God, you no longer have to manufacture your own safe place.” ~ Emily P. Freeman: Grace for the Good Girl
It’s often easy for me to submit to God with the following understanding: it is well with my soul, it’s all for God’s glory, and Heaven is more than enough.
This has been my motto for awhile now.
Will I worry about tomorrow? Yes, I’m a sinner. I’m working on that. Am I writing this for myself? Yes. Will it help the person who is struggling behind the mask? I hope so.
“There is no magic formula to living life free of masks. There is no automatic mask remover. The masks will never disappear completely as long as we live in a fallen world. I have days where it feels as if my only option is to pull out those well-worn masks and move through life in survival mode, content to be good and invisible. But I can’t stay there for long, because I have tasted freedom. I know the truth about the rescue.” ~ Emily P. Freeman: Grace for the Good Girl
“I know the truth about the rescue.” Let that resonate….
All of God’s glory reigning down on you during this trial and being manifested through you for the greatness of His truth is liberating, door opening, and mountain moving – mountain moving!
When the devil creeps in like a snake to tear apart your faith, rebuke him. I say it again, rebuke him. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. (John 10:10) Command him to flee and claim the victory with God’s word.
If you feel distress, grab your bible. Read God’s word. (Hint: It does help to focus on those highlighted scriptures.) Seek God where he may be found. Run to him, and flee from the devil’s lies.
You are God’s chosen one. He didn’t choose somebody else, He chose you! During our weakness, He is strong. When you’re sad, depressed, and lost, He can be found in a mighty way with miracles abounding – even the really good life changing kinds in the hearts of His people that bring about God’s glory for all His people.
I know you’ll get through it, but to be honest, I do have to remind myself of this.
It was two years ago today that I lost Brynlee, my stillborn daughter, and I almost lost my own life. I wear my mask often. Actually, I get real embarrassed when I take it off and spill my guts. In an odd way, it’s good that I wear it sometimes. If you know me, that makes sense. : )
However, losing Brynlee has been really hard on me. I said so many times when I lost her that I was going to fulfill every purpose for her life and help it lead to God’s glory.
So, what did the devil do? He decided to attack.
Now, I face depression and fears, but God DID NOT put Brynlee in my life to ruin my hopes and dreams and cause me years of depression and fears. That was not the purpose for her life. So, I have to work every day – every single day – to trust God, His plan, and His purpose. How do I do that? I read his word and remind myself that everything is for God’s glory. No matter what tomorrow holds, I know who holds it.
I know I’ll get through this if I keep God as my focus.
Do you have a sick child? Are you sick? Keep God as your focus to heal your pain.
Do you have lost family and friends? Keep God as your focus to help guide them.
Do you struggle with future decisions? Trust God and focus on His word.
Are you worried about your marriage? Keep it in God’s hands. Be still, and know that He is God.
Do money burdens depress you? Trust God will make a way.
Are you lonely in some form or fashion? Cling to God and his word.
I don’t know why you’re wearing your mask, but trust God to get you through this season. Someday you’ll be able to remove your mask, and I’ll be able to remove mine too.
As for tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34)
“After all, tomorrow is another day!” ~ Gone with the Wind
Today, I will serve the Lord.
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