The dream. Go to college. Write a novel. Get married. Travel the world. Own a home. Find a career. Be a rockstar. Save your marriage. Have a baby. Homeschool your kids. Reconcile with your family. Retire.
Dreams come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, and we all have different tastes. I love hearing people's stories and dreams, hopes for the future, and starry-eyed plans. But what happens when your dreams don't seem to come true? Granted, we dream until we die, and I believe that it's never too late to see a dream achieved. However, what of the athlete who gets into a car accident and can never play ball again? What of the 39-year-old single friend? What of the betrayed and abandoned lover? What of the barren wife?
What happens when our dreams seem shattered and altogether unachievable? What do we do when there is no plan B? How do we keep calm and carry on in the face of hopelessness?
Honestly, I don't know.
Scripture has a lot to say about hopelessness, and I take comfort in God's Word and in the knowledge that He is faithful and the most understanding of our trials.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
And yet, practically speaking, what do we do when the first dream "dies"? I know that "give up" is the wrong answer here. So, do we pursue a new dream? Do we relentlessly continue to pursue the first dream? Prayer, community, and studying the Scriptures are musts for me. But what else? How then should we live?
Again, I'm not entirely sure.
One thing I do know, though. It's a phrase that I've held onto for the last handful of years, one that my husband and I repeat to each other as encouraging reminders:
"One faithful moment at a time."
That's all that we're sure of. This moment in time. Jesus could return or take us home at any time. We have now. Let's be as faithful as we can be with it.
It's definitely not a satisfying answer to all of the hopelessnesses of life. But, it's one that I cling to.
Want to take home your own copy of my One Faithful Moment art print? Enter below to win your own free art print.
Here's to many faithful moments to come.
Want to take home your own copy of my One Faithful Moment art print? Enter below to win your own free art print.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Here's to many faithful moments to come.
a favorite verse for me that I cling to is Prov. 3:5-7: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. And also Prov. 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. The life we are currently living definitely isn't the life I dreamed of or had planned but I can see how the Lord is using it and I trust him. I know you know those verses too but they are dear ones. Keep on pressing on and dive deep into His love and plans for you. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sarah; your encouragement is so appreciated. It really is His story, isn't it? <3
DeleteDearheart, oh how you know I've been muddling through the same questions! You were so frequently on my mind yesterday, that I found myself dozily telling J over skype last night "I have to write her in the morning!", and here you are, shedding beautiful thoughts about how we get through these seasons with an honoring heart... Friend, I think "one faithful moment at a time" is the VERY heart-focus that Christ is after. He *cares deeply* that our hearts are filled with other questions that focus on the ailing dream, and what to do next, but more than this I find a joy-bursting friend in Jesus when I fight to remind myself that what He's after are the thoughts and sighs and tears and acceptance-of-not-knowing *just beyond* my questions.
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, this is hard for me to accept. I struggle sometimes when it feels like all our pain is funneling us back constantly to the question of *are we WITH Him?*, *is He ALL we wanted in X scenario?*, etc. It can lead me to feel like the dreams have nothing to do with my relationship with Him, that they're inconsequential to Him and that I should stop *wanting* anything. But I think I'm learning that He will re-focus our questions SO THAT they land us directly in His lap, curled up in His hands; not to shrug His shoulders at our questions, but to be so near to us as we ask them that He can comfort the thrumming heart laying in His palm and whisper peace as we try to move forward. I also remind myself that He is the Gardener of Dreams. And that I can trust Him. These things are simple truths, but they re-teach my heart how to breathe in those seasons when it feels like everything is made of avalanche rocks.
Love you, and praying, and thankful for you.
-m
Beautiful truth.
ReplyDeleteI think I might actually buy this print if I don't win.
lindseyspi@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lindsey!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for pursuing your career and side business in design! You are a true artist and I love seeing the pieces you create!
ReplyDeleteeclairre at ymail dot com
ReplyDeleteLOVE this!
ReplyDeleteI read this over a week ago, but it's been on my mind ever since and I've been meaning to tell you how much it's been resonating with me. I think about this exact thing A LOT. I have no idea what the answers are, but all I can do is trust that there's a bigger picture I'm unaware of. It's not about us, but all about him. Something I have to tell myself constantly.
ReplyDelete