As a mother, I often feel a tug on my heartstrings for my children. Once our offspring reaches a certain age, one would hope they had manifested the love in return which a mother has a right to expect. It is possible that there may be an allusion in the case of a fond, doting parent.
It is likely that you may have an allusion in your own life. We all have expectations! What you had the right to expect has never come into fruition. You are left feeling disappointed, hurt, and confused.
Are you disenchanted with your own life? Are you trapped in a set of circumstances? The fear of walking away from what represents your reality and security, offers little hope for any change in the near future?
Have you ever seen a maze garden? A maze is a formal and intimate garden. Mazes incorporate a great deal of symbolism. They offer the curious a means to become lost and then find oneself again. They suggest danger lurking behind every twist and turn and redemption for the true and brave of heart. They represent blindness and light, temptation and chaos, and satisfaction and serenity for those who brave the perils of the unknown and who win.
Whilst a maze garden may be symbolic of secrecy, with God there are no secrets. He knows what we think and how we feel. He knows the hurts and the wounds that have never healed. He knows the manipulation and lies that fill the private lives of many women. God shines a light onto “…every man in the chambers of his imagery.” Ezekiel 8:12
Too often, we place our hope and restoration through the various avenues of professional help rather than running to God.
God understands us. He knows how our mind works.
There are certain rules that govern my way of thinking. If I do not apply these principles, my mind has the potential of visiting hurts in my past and confusing the present with unrealistic expectations.
It is so easy for women to have the goodness of God in their life and yet have a longing for the praise of others. It is possible that because a woman does not receive the praise she unrealistically longs for, her most significant “praise-deposits” go unnoticed. She fails to see or acknowledge just how good God is in her life.
Most recently, God has taken a hold of my heart and reminded me of “who daily loadeth us [me] with benefits…” Psalm 68:19
I have the benefit of being saved. When I die, I know my home is in heaven. This is my greatest benefit. I have the benefit of a husband who loves me and believes in me. I also have the benefit of children who are “…an heritage of the Lord.”
Salvation is not to be forgotten in the midst of daily mercies. Daily mercies are not to be forgotten in the enjoyment of salvation.
Women are frequently confused; about their purpose, their future, God’s will for their lives, and confused about their responsibilities. As a Christian woman who has been confused, I want to settle the dust of confusion and encourage you. God is not the author of our confusion!
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33
God is the author of peace. He is the Creator of peace and order. We can have this peace and order throughout our own lives. God is most remarkable for His simplicity and clearness. That’s was makes Him so accessible to everyone – young and old!
When our minds are fixed on the things of God, it leaves little room for instability. Our enemy enjoys confusing women. Starting with Eden and running through to own private worlds – he is our enemy and is always looking for a way to bring about volatility.
For a Christian woman, Satan targets our most vulnerable area - the mind! The psychiatrist’s and psychologist’s waiting rooms are full of women gripped by fear and confusion.
Unfortunately, some women who struggle through life with their own private, saddened world, have only these resources to turn to.
As Christian women we have the greatest doctor to run to – our Saviour, our Shepherd…the best friend a girl could ever have!
God is the only one that knows and understands our life and in particular – our mind!
When my mind is a maze, what do I do?
I strengthen myself in the Lord - “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1
I acknowledge God’s power and love - “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 1Timothy 1:7
I look to Scripture for wisdom - “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6
I apply and adhere to God’s principles - “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
I benefit others even when they love me less for all my attempts - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
When we benefit others even when they love us less for all our attempts - it pleases God! This example shows the firmness and determination of our Christianity.
I allow God to be God - “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” Psalm 90:17
We will never truly succeed in the Christian life if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to guide every area. When we learn true wisdom - we seek Divine instruction. Not always do we resolve the issues from our past, but with God there is sufficient balance to our former grief.
It’s wonderful what the “Beauty of the Lord" does for us and our work? God is glorified and His work advances when His church is beautiful! Nothing can be sadder than when preaching or personal effort is contradicted and neutralized by the low or unlovely lives of those who pass for Christians.
God gives us a compass when we aim for glory. He will give you a compass to guide your life.
Whatever your past is – it’s never too late to turn your life around. Wherever you are in your life – He will be your guide. Whatever your future holds - God loves you and has a perfect plan for how you should live.
Ask God to shine the light of truth and clarity into your heart today. Tell Him what you tell the psychiatrist. Don’t despair about your life! Everything is Father-filtered and acknowledging something about the dynamics of you could be the first step toward your dreams becoming a reality.
God is crazy about you and the shadow over your life is cast by His presence. He never leaves our side!
Does your life feel like a maze? As Christian women, God gives us a hedge of protection, a lamp to guide our feet, and a light to guide the steps we take. Through reading His Word every day and going to church every time the doors are open…we are filling our lives with His wisdom. Then we are given an understanding that prepares us for life - regardless of the roadblocks! Suddenly, everything will be alright!
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
I’m always amazed, that when my mind is a maze - I have steppingstones. Through Scripture I am guided by the hand of God all through my day. He turns my chaos and confusion into order and understanding.
God is no respecter of persons! He will turn your chaos and confusion into order and understanding also.
God’s presence is with us wherever we go!
I Love You,
Deborah
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