The Truth Of It

Going to church may be something that many people do out of habit, or obligation, or for various reasons, but I have to say that especially since last year when Little Monkey was so sick it has become something I look forward to with anticipation because I learn so much.

I won't lie because some weeks I barely get out the door with everyone dressed and we will simply be there for two hours so I get to see other adults and my children can be with caring childcare workers. Some weeks are like that. But even on those weeks where my heart is not in the right place, God uses the sermons and affirmations of others.

The truth of it is, I (we) are trying so hard to look to the Lord for guidance in this whole housing situation. We are clinging to the verses I posted here and praying very hard that we don't become cynical or ugly towards each other or the kids during this stressful time. We are not always successful. We do lose our tempers, feel overwhelmed (like 4am this morning when I was packing boxes because laying in bed thinking about it seemed unproductive), and get stressed out. I thank the many friends and family members who have listened to me vent because often I just need to talk about it and then things don't seem as bad.

Today our music minister (director?) told the story of Horatio Spafford. He wrote the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul". Take a minute and read the words...then read his life story. His life was not easy, and he lost everything, but he was still praising God. I think that not having an ideal or easy place to live really pales in comparison.

It Is Well With My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Here's his story in a nutshell:

Horatio was a wealthy lawyer in Chicago in the 1800s. The first tragic thing in his story was the death of his son (1871) followed closely by the Great Chicago fire that wipes him out financially. He and his family were believers and in 1873 they planned a trip to Europe to assist D. L Moody with his ministry he had there. Because of a business manner he sent his wife and four daughters ahead and planned to join them a week later. Their ship sank mid trip after an accident with another boat in the Atlantic. His wife alone survived.

As Mr. Spafford sailed over to get his wife and bring her home, he asked the captain of the ship to let him know when he was at the location of the accident. He wrote the words to the hymn above while he was at the scene. He had lost five children and his wealth within three years. It reminds me of Job. He, like Job, remained faithful. (He later did have 3 more children, one who died and two who survived. I was glad to know that when I looked him up online today)

So I will probably continue to stress a bit this week (or a lot) about housing and the move and everything. I will more than likely share the craziness on this blog. But I AM going to remember how faithful God has been to me before, and how He promises to take care of us in the big and little things.