Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

 

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Alone by the Fire

Remember who you are. Don’t forget where you came from. Keep in mind where you are going. Don’t lose sight of the end goal.

 

I watched the fire crackle and spark for a couple of hours. No one else was around, just me and my thoughts. Finally, with my journal and pen, I waded through the emotions of the past few weeks. Tears filled my eyes as prayers formed on my lips. The emotions were heavy, and I had lost myself somewhere in the chaos of the hard season in life.

I needed that reminder from God. So, carefully I stoked the fire and watched the embers reawaken. Oh, how I needed God to renew my tired, weary heart.

Opening the Bible app on my phone, I listened to the familiar words Paul wrote to the Colossians.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

~Colossians 1:21-22 NIV

Right on Time

When life gets heavy, it’s easy to get stuck and only see the mountain of emotions right in front of me instead of seeing the whole picture. I stoked the fire again and watched as more embers came back to life. As the light brightened in the firepit, I counted my blessings. There were so many good things from the past and present that I needed to dwell on. I felt the embers of hope reawaken in my soul. This was only a season. It wouldn’t last forever.

As blessings flooded my heart, God’s hand reached deep inside and stoked the low, smoldering coals. Then, memories flashed through my mind like a movie reel.

Remember how you got here, where you were, and who’s in control. Don’t forget your calling, your purpose, your hope, and your joy. I will give you peace.

Slowly, I let the heavy load of emotions slip off my shoulders—the load I was never meant to carry alone. I didn’t have any more answers now than I did the previous night. I didn’t know how this crazy season of my story would end. And I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. But I found me . . . again—buried under the weight and worries of the world.

I stoked the fire one more time. Such a big lesson from such a simple convenience. Remember who you are. Don’t forget where you came from. Keep in mind where you are going. And don’t lose sight of the end goal.

It’s so easy to get weighed down by the worries of this world and lose sight of what’s important. Stop. Slow down. Look for what’s been lost. Don’t forget who you are.

How has the load you’re carrying blinded you to the truth of who you are in Christ?

Father God, please open my eyes to the emotions I’m carrying so I can lay them at Your feet. I was never meant to lean on my own understanding. Help me lean wholly on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Remember Who You Are: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved