How Are You Doing?

Please forgive me:

It has been a while since I was able to sit down with you, or even find the time to write. Only a month into the new year and life has already taken a few unexpected twists. I can’t help but wonder if the same thing has been true for you. So as I am sitting here, thinking what all I would like to share, this thought keeps running through my mind: “How are YOU doing?”

How are things going in your life?

Have you too had a few unexpected twists show up? Or, have you slid gently into the new year with all of your plans falling into place? Maybe something, or even someone, has already derailed your good intentions. Has it left you at a stand still, wondering what to do next? 

What can we do when things hit us from out of the blue?

Sometimes it’s an easy fix; we just adjust. It may be that all we need to do is stop, take a deep breath, recalibrate, and then keep going. But there are other times, when things hit us so hard, so drastically, that even your next breath is hard to find. What then? 

What do you do when your heart is so heavy that all that comes to mind is a question, how much more?

Throughout time, “how much more” is a question that has crossed many women’s mind. Thankfully, our God is not offended at our pondering. Exhaustion over the things that are out of our control is often the trigger. We are longing for stability, for that concrete affirmation that no matter how much more is heading our way, our feet are firmly planted on a rock solid foundation that will not move.

Recently, I was reading from a book that was handed down to me when my Aunt Bell passed away. She was truly one of the wisest and most Godly women I have ever known. Life for her was never, ever easy, yet what I recall the most was my Great Aunt’s outlook on life: I call it “Holy Optimism.”  Always caring, asking, “how are you doing?” She encouraged you at every opportunity. Just being in her presence inspired you to keep looking for the good, to keep focused on the blessings, not the circumstances.

The book that was left to me: “Something More ~ A Closer Walk” by Catherine Marshall refers to the “excitement and aliveness” that can build within our spiritual walk. A joy that far exceeds anything that is happening around us. There’s a freshness, a sense of gratitude and joy, that can be our ever present companion, no matter how much more may come our way. Marshall says it this way: 

“An altogether new quality of joy is given to us. It has little to do with the circumstances of our lives—good or bad—but everything to do with knowing Him who is managing the circumstances. It is joy that has the feel of permanence, even of eternity about it. Deep within we know that nothing that befalls us today or tomorrow can ever defeat that joy.”

Marshall, Catherine. Something More~A Closer Walk. First Inspirational Press Edition. New York, NY: Chosen Books-A Division of Baker House Company, 1991. Print.

That depth of joy is the reason we can have a sense of gratitude that goes far beyond what is happening in our lives at the time.

It comes from knowing every single moment of our life is securely anchored in a someone, not a something. He is our Lord, and the great news is you and I can know, without any doubts, our lives are securely attached. Our rock solid anchor is looking out for us, keeping us shielded in ways we may not even be able to comprehend at the time; but we are ALWAYS within His care. 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

(Psalm 18:2 NIV)

What wonderful news to hold onto in this new year!

No matter how much more may come our way our God has it all within His control. Isn’t that comforting to know? He is there-He will always be there. We are never alone! Every second of my life and yours matters to Him, down to the tiniest of details. He truly cares, and wants to know…“How are you doing?”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, 

whose confidence is in Him.” 

(Jeremiah 17:7 NIV)