Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Jeremiah 31:14

says "My people will be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord." {Amplified}

This scripture was brought to my attention recently by my friend, Jon, who makes a habit of regularly pointing out Words that I come to love. There's a long, long list of favorite scriptures. Sometimes I have no idea where to stop underlining in my Bible. Oh, yes, I'm an underlining girl.

I love this one for several reasons. First of all, it seems to me to be a promise. I love clinging to God's promises. There are many. Of course, life will be easy is not one of them. Neither is you'll always get your way. Neither is our happiness, but joy on the other hand, His joy is promised to be our strength {Nehemiah 8:10}. It's a bit like being little again, waiting for that really great thing that you actually can't wait for, but have to. I've learned that some, and perhaps many, of God's promises will be fulfilled when we are with Him. And talk about a promise! With Him. I really can't wait for that one. Back to this one, it seems like assurance to me. I know this is hard, My daughter, but you will be satisfied with My goodness. You will. Maybe not today or tomorrow. It may take a while, but it will happen. You will see that I have done great things!

During the past four years I have learned many things the hard way: God's ways are not my ways. I won't always know why. Life is hard, and we must hold on to Him if we expect to make it through. He gives and takes away. You will have to hear certain things you hope to never hear like it's malignant, it's serious, it's bad, it's not enough, it's back, it's over. And sometimes you have to say things you don't want to say like goodbye, he's gone, she died, I can't, I won't, I'll never make it, how can I.

But there are so many Truths to cling to:
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. {Colossians 1:17}

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. {Nehemiah 8:10}

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. {Psalm 30:11}

For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. {Psalm 33:4-5}

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. {Psalm 33:13-15}

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. {Psalm 33:20-21}

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.
Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death. {Psalm 68:19-20}

Can you tell I've been loving Psalm 33 lately? Look at that last one again: for each day He carries us in His arms. I'm so blown away by that. And so grateful to be His girl.

You may wonder if there is a point to all this. There is, and I'm getting there. Sit tight a little bit more. All who believe will receive of God's goodness, and ultimately will be satisfied. I'm sure He, like any parent, would love for us to "quit whining and be grateful" {as my kids often hear} sooner rather than later. I'm trying for Him. I have many days when I fail, but I usually just have a big talk with Him in those times. I like to get it all out. A couple of things I've received are just such obvious gifts, and both after deep loss.

Almost four years ago, I said good bye to my dad. I miss him every single day. Just about three years ago, God gave us Ella. Last year was a very hard year for us financially, while adjusting to homeschooling, and my aunt went Home to be with my dad. The day after her funeral, God answered a question we'd had. We felt Him putting a certain desire on our hearts for several months. It made no sense. It honestly seemed crazy with the year we were having. But it became stronger still, and we knew He wanted us to trust Him. So... He lifted us up in due time {1 Peter 5:6}... and is giving us something after taking away...






and I am filled...










with a good thing He has given us...









"...and My people will be filled with the good things I give them!" says the Lord. {Jeremiah 31:14 New Century Version}

17 comments:

Heidi said...

Congratulations Kristin!! We are so very excited for you, Jonathan, and your kids. I can't wait to meet the newest member of the family when he/she is born. When are you due?

Lisa said...

What great thoughts, Kristin. And CONGRATULATIONS on #4! I'm so happy for y'all! I know that God will continue to provide for you in unexpected ways and to keep giving you reminders of His love and faithfulness. Thanks for sharing with us.

Rebecca said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Congratulations Kristin! God is so good!!!!

Unknown said...

and she shall be named andy :)

carrie said...

Yeah!!! I am very excited for you guys. When is this little blessing due so I can be praying for him/her?

Katie said...

I adore this little love already!!

tamblair said...

WOW!! Congrats! I will be praying for you and this little bean!! That's great news!

The Khans said...

Congratulations Kristin! I am excited for your family. This seems to be a busy year for little ones to be born. So much fun.

Unknown said...

You already know I am so excited for you! I'm so thrilled to be your pregnancy buddy!

Unknown said...

BTW- what are we going to do about our usernames?!?! ha ha

Kristin said...

Oops, sorry... we are due August 23rd, so quite a ways off. I know it will go fast though. Erika, I'm trying to figure out what to do about the user name/ blog title. Haven't gotten too far on that.

Betsy said...

I wasn't sure it that's where we were going or not! (: Cute little peanut- glad we're not the only ones venturing into the land of 4 ( it can't be that much harder , right? )
(:

Heather said...

Congratulations on your fourth little blessing! I am rejoicing with yall! :)

Sharon said...

How exciting! I don't know what to say. I'm baffled. Stunned. Thrilled. Overwhelmed. Besides myself! And it's YOUR fourth and not mine... why am I so emotional? :)

Ah girl, indeed, God is GOoD! Wonder what He's got 'knitting' inside your womb?! I know this. I know it's good! I know God has a plan for this child. A purpose! I can't wait to get a glimpse!

Love you, friend! Thanks so much for reminding me to check your blog and thus sharing this with me!

Mrs. Courville said...

Congrats, Torode family! Such exciting news to start the year off with!

Sharon said...

Well, sweet girl, I KNOW I left a message on here..... but I don't see it. Wonder where it went?

Anyway, WOW, I'm so excited about this! Four?!!!!! That's a LOT! and I'm loving!!!

Wonder what God is knitting this new creation to be? I can't wait to see! What a blessing from the Lord!

LOVE you girl. Hope you're feeling good.

Stacey Cannon said...

Congratulations!!! I am so thrilled for you guys!!! I will pray for a safe and happy pregnancy for all of you!!! :)