Sinking Sand

Emotions are fleeting, and they cannot be trusted. Oh, and that running negative dialogue in your head? It can’t be trusted either. But what can be trusted? The living Word of God.

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‘Tis summer, my friends. And my life has officially been flipped upside down. We are talking tumble-dry-on-high-level flipped. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy having my kids home with me for summer break. I welcome this time with opened arms. However, it still means that regularly scheduled programming is delayed until mid-August. As a work-from-home momma, this can be a stressful time. A time when I am searching for balance. I literally feel like I am in standing tree pose whilst juggling an expensive crystal bowl. And if I fall, the floor is lava. Ya feel me?

 

Maybe that was a tad bit melodramatic. But alas, that’s how it feels. It’s a bit overwhelming at times when I fall into that trap of “I’ve got to get everything done on the to-do list while simultaneously being everything to everyone. Otherwise, that makes me a bad momma/wife/business owner/blogger/daughter/sister/friend, right?”

The answer to that question is, of course, NO!

But is it an “of course” situation? Nope. Because we are wired to do and do and do, to set ourselves on fire, to strive, and to prove our worth. If I am making time to get my work done, am I stealing from moments with my children? If I am choosing to get some housework done, am I stealing time away from my job? If I am choosing to get a workout in instead of going to the park with my kids, am I a bad mom? I could go on and on.

I say all of this not to make you feel anxious but to speak the truth into your life as well as into my own. Because maybe you’re feeling this way too? Because maybe you don’t have a tribe in your life like I do to set you straight and speak biblical truth over your situation. This is what I know to be TRUTH.

 

The Truth

Emotions are fleeting, and they cannot be trusted. Oh, and that running negative dialogue in your head? It can’t be trusted either. But what can be trusted? The living Word of God.

Part of why I feel so off-kilter during these summer months is because I am used to getting a lot of alone time with my Heavenly Father. We are talking hours some days. And what an incredible blessing that time is. I am overwhelmed by how The Almighty has often cleared my schedule so He and I can be together in our secret place. It’s a little different when you’ve got kids under your feet needing something 24/7. And apparently, during the summer months, my kids have ferocious appetites. I am considering setting up a GoFund Me to pay our grocery bill. Send help!

Art Camp. 

Summer Workouts. 

Horse Camp.

Play Dates.

Swimming Lessons. 

They are bored. 

They are hungry. 

They are still hungry. 

The little one is finally full, but the man-child is still hungry. 

Don’t let them have too much screen time. 

Get on that summer reading.

You can find yourself off balance pretty quickly. Grasping at anything to help you regain composure. And by you, I really mean me. I find myself here. Here in this place where I feel like I am failing. But today, I heard my Father say…”You took your eyes off of Me.”

 

Breakthrough

Don’t you love it when the Holy Spirit drops truth into your brain? And then all of a sudden breakthrough happens. I took my eyes off of my Heavenly Father. That is why I am flailing around attempting to not drop and decimate that crystal bowl I am juggling. That is why I am a door swinging off of the hinge at the mercy of the wind. My eyes are not fixed where they need to be. Because if they were, no matter the circumstance or season, I would be standing on a firm foundation that is Jesus.

I was sharing with a friend how I felt in the past that a rug had been pulled out from under me. And she so wisely replied, “You are not standing on a rug. You are standing on Jesus.” In that moment I had a significant breakthrough. Yes! I am not willing to stand upon anything that is not the Lord.

There is no rug when there is Jesus at the foundation of it all. I am telling you: having a tribe of friends that are willing to speak truth into your life is one of the most valuable things you could ever have in this realm. Those who are not afraid to be real and real about the Word of God and its truth.

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

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

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

He is my shield and the horn of my 

salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:1-3 (NIV)

 

The Rock

Rock is sturdy. It does not give way like sinking sand or mud. If you live in North East Texas, you know we have some pretty untrustworthy soil around here. It may look sturdy, but it’s actually not in the least. You may find yourself sinking quickly if you go into the mud during the wrong time of the year. Or even worse? Try building on such a finicky foundation. It’s just not going to work. Your foundation will crack and crumble away.

The same thing happens when we try to build our lives on a deceitful foundation outside of the Word of God. He is our Rock, our foundation on which we stand. And if our eyes are fixed on Him, we will not sink. If our eyes are fixed on Him, we will not fall. And now, I am humming an old hymn that the Holy Spirit has planted in my heart as I am writing this…

My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

And I am reminded of this verse.

 

The Word

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;

he drew me out of deep waters.

Psalm 18:16 (NIV)

As I read this verse above, tears filled my eyes. Remember that negative running dialogue I mentioned earlier? Well, the thought…”I feel like I am drowning” has been on repeat for me the past few days. Immediately, when I read that verse, I knew in my heart of hearts that my Heavenly Father heard my cry.

He knows me. He knows my need. He hears my prayers. And in that very moment, as my eyes grazed that ink, He spoke directly to me. His word is alive, and so is He. We just have to be willing to focus our eyes on Him even for just a split second. Because, sometimes, that’s all it takes to know you are sought after and beloved. And also in that moment, I am reminded of who I am. 

I am His. And He…He is the Almighty God.

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!

Exalted be God my Savior!

He is the God who avenges me,

who subdues nations under me,

who saves me from my enemies.

You exalted me above my foes;

from violent men you rescued me.

Therefore I will praise you among the nations,

O Lord;

I will sing praises to your name.

He gives his king great victories;

he shows unfailing kindness to his 

anointed,

to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 18:46-50 (NIV)

So, if you’re feeling off-balance in this season, I want to encourage you to cry out to your Heavenly Father and, most importantly, get in the Living Word of God. Set your feet upon the Rock and your gaze upon the One who laid His life down for yours: your Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on rebekadoesit.blogspot.com

Featured Image By Abbie Bernet

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Hi Ya'll! My name is Rebeka, and I'm a lifestyle blogger. Oh, I am also a wife, and a momma, a lover of healthy living, coffee, and big ole belly laughs. I should also note that I am a deeply flawed human being that needs Jesus on the daily. I hope to inspire you with authentic stories of my real life struggles and triumphs. After all, authenticity is my super power.