The early spring storm came with a vengeance. Winds hammered the house while trees bent in submission to its power. Four inches of rain soaked the earth and overflowed into the creeks, rivers, and roads.

It was fierce and frightening.

But it was over.

The Early Spring Storm Held a Valuable Lesson

The sun began to shine once more. Birds came out from their hiding places and filled the air with song. I slipped on some old shoes and walked down to check the creek that courses through our property.

Near the creek there is a low area that is like a bog, especially after rain. Distracted in my thoughts, I didn’t pay attention and stepped right into this squishy, muddy, messy place. My shoes were quickly consumed.

My gaze turned from watching the glory of the surrounding thunderheads, to looking down, watching my step, frustrated by the muddy mess.

My focus became the mess I was in rather than the birdsong and the brilliance of a periwinkle sky after a storm.

Isn’t that all too common in our walk of faith? We’re enjoying the splendor of God, our gaze is lifted toward the heavenly places, a melody in our heart …

Then we step in mud.

And we get stuck. And muddy from the mud.

And just like that, everything changes.

Our focus shifts and we become downtrodden, frustrated, agitated. “Forget the splendor of God! There’s nothing here, but mud!”

And so it goes.

Until we stop. Listen. And remember He is God and His love is unfailing and His faithfulness reaches to the sky.

The sky.

We look up again. heavenly light reflecting in our tears. The Lord reaches through the difficult place and draws us out of the mud — the pit of miry clay and places us on the Rock.

Oh, what a wonderful God He is! His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.

Stuck in the mud, I began to laugh — mud and all. I slowly lifted my feet one step at a time until I made it to solid ground again. I’m thankful for the laughter.

I’m trying to be thankful for the mud.

Are You Thankful for the Mud?

After all, the mud turned my eyes toward Jesus where they belonged. An early spring storm comes in like a torrent, just like the storms we face in life. But with Jesus we can find joy in our sorrow, hope in our despair.

Sweet friend, keep your eyes on Him. He will lift you up with wings of eagles to rise above the storm and rest in His presence, safe and secure.

Maybe a little bit muddy, but you will be safe and secure until the storm passes you by.

Selah

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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.

Sweet blessings to you,

 

NAN