Happy summer, friends! I am presently sitting in my hotel room outside of Boise, ID as I write, trying to collect my thoughts for the God and Country Festival tonight as well as for this blog. Due to the fact that most of my brain cells seem to be going directly to the baby these days, collecting my thoughts isn't quite as easy as it once was. ;) Nevertheless, I can't help but reflect on how the Lord has brought me into this new season of life and how He's changing me along the way. Jacob and I recently moved into our first house, so the month of June has largely consisted of unpacking, painting, decorating, and more unpacking. In addition, we are only 2 months away from welcoming our little boy into the world, and every day the weight of that reality sinks in a little more. Needless to say, we are growing up.
In the midst of all these significant life changes and the responsibilities and challenges that come with them, I often find myself becoming anxious, wondering if I'm really ready to handle what is being thrown at me at warp speed. I was having one of these meltdowns one morning last week, so I opened up my Bible and where did my eyes fall but Psalm 55:22 that says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." It was that truth that silenced my fears in a hurry. Who am I that the God of all things seen and unseen would care about little me? Yet He does, more than I could ever possibly fathom this side of heaven. But He doesn't just care for me...He cares for you. No matter what you're going through, no matter how bleak your situation may seem, He is there in your midst, loving you, waiting for you to throw your burdens at His feet and leave them there. The fact that He is right beside us at every turn makes even the toughest of times bearable, and whatever is right or wrong or chaotic in our lives is no match for our great God. We must purpose in our hearts to cling to Jesus when our problems seem so huge because we know that He is bigger still.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:6-7
What an encouragement!
Hello Meredith,
Thank you for sharing so freely all the inspiring messages the Lord puts upon your heart. It is true that often times we really never know who a certain message from God is intended for but while He lifted you with His Words of peace during your time of anxiety in July - you put it out there to share & it's serving at this moment as a very encouraging word for me. Just like the humble and inspiring lyrics you write -this blog resonates with me.
Like you - my husband & I are expecting our first child but we actually just found out only weeks ago. In April on your tour to Philly your song "You're Not Alone" truly touched me & I stood for prayer per Pastor James' invitation and I just held my belly in hope that my worst fear of never bearing my own child would be eased, & that I would just leave there that night with a peace that in God's perfect timing - it would actually happen. And I did receive that peace that very night - I truly felt that we didn't need to give in to fertility doctors just yet & all that testing, etc. I just rested on "when God wants it to happen" and "He knows my heart." And now here I am, only months later, and He's blessed us with this pregnancy! Praise Jesus! But funny enough, a whole new set of fears has just rushed in and like you said the reality that life as we know it will infact really REALLY change =) LOL ... but I know all too well that even though things are a little tight right now - God's timing is perfect & if He blessed us with this child ... then He will also sustain us. The verses the Lord gave you - He has now given me today. =0
Praying you, Jacob, and your little boy to soon be a very blessed life. Praying that you also feel God's encouragement through others like we so often feel through you. Thanks for sharing!
In Christ, Renée
I hear you!
Meredith:
I hear you! So does everyone who knows the sheppard's voice. Your music is really annointed, and comes from deep in the heart! Wonderful to hear, refreshing to the soul. Keep up the great work for God. I love picture 21 on your second group of pictures, and the video you made when you wore that outfit, I thought it was really outstanding.
God bless you always. Keep working for Him. Remember that surely we will not lose our reward, even for a cup of water given in the name of Christ. God remembers every good thing you do, even if others don't see or hear (but those that hear His voice are).
God Bless, Meredith! Hope God
God Bless, Meredith! Hope God Blesses you guys with more love and maybe another baby :) Can't wait to hear more about it!
Congratulations!
The blessing of the Lord be upon you all!