by Jo Ann Fore
My husband shared a verse with me the other day, said it was “for me.” Knowing the spiritual depth of my husband-covering, I take that serious. I pull it in tight. Inhale the fresh perfume.
It intoxicates. Encourages. Delivers. Inspires. As I dig in, meditate on the Word, I am renewed.
“I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to You. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God (Psalm 40:1-3 CEV).”
God heard my cry. I don’t know about you, but when I am hurting I long for someone to hear, to understand, to really get it. God did. He does. And not only did he lift me out of the slimy pit, but he set me on a firm place to stand (NIV). In order to keep me focused, to keep my steps secure, to keep me from falling back into the pit, God knew I would need a strong foundation.
I have a friend who is a contractor. A master craftsman. The structural integrity of his homes are dependent on the foundation. I’m a lot like those houses; without God first building the foundation, I will surely fall.
God also blessed me with a new song. Don’t you love discovering a new song–one that says everything you were thinking, that molds to the inner workings of your heart as if it’s always been there. The fresh vocals stirring a new hope to press in, forward, deeper. Often, we play it again and again, savoring how it satisfies those hard-to-reach places nestled deep inside.
To think others will see (hear) my new song, a praise song gifted me by God himself. They will witness this transformation, redemption, and be drawn into a deeper intimacy with God? Wow. Can one be any more blessed? Don’t you love how God redeems?
When we create an atmosphere of expectation (patiently waiting), God promises that he will not only hear us, but he will steady our steps and lead us right out of the pit. An example of that, for me, was a portion of my life story I was honored to share in this month’s Guideposts.
If we really do this surrender thing, he is faithful to deliver, to lead us exactly where he intends. I love how God works. It. Is. A. Divine. Set-up.
Father, hear our cries. Bring us out of the pit. Steady our steps (help us to focus), establish our goings, cause our very thoughts to agree with your will. Oh that you would establish your plans, bringing us success as you intend, and that in the journey others would find you through our new song (our story).
Readers, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Jo Ann Fore is an author, teacher, book-freak, and fun friend. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her authentic vulnerability, Jo Ann captivates her audience with faith-filled messages caramelized with a powerful promise of hope. She is the founder of the Write Where It Hurts community, where she is honored to spend her days in the midst of women seeking hard after God’s plans for their lives.
I love this article. We can bless and be blessed each step –whether we are needing a cup of comfort or have a full measure to give away. And as our cycles and circles of hope, healing and measurable change occur in the many facets of our lives, the constant of His ability to impart that ‘new song’ never ceases to amaze, humble and draw me to His Heart of love ….. Pit or palace….His Song never fails.
Yes Judyann, praise God His Song never fails. And I thank God for your new song–that everyone can see and be drawn to Him!
Beautifully worded, Jo Ann. I’m not sure you are aware of the part you’ve played in God putting a new song in my heart. I am humbled and grateful beyond what I could describe here, but just know that I will be thinking of you while I sing. I love you.
Lisa,
You make me smile wide. I love how God knits hearts together, often totally unexpectedly. You are a heart-sister. Deep. Sincere. And fast in pursuit of God’s songs.I’m so thankful to be on the journey with you.
Love,
Jo Ann
Only God can understand the depth and breadth of our anguish, anger, fear. But he is also the only one who can replace it with the same depth and breadth of love and life. May God make all of our lives a beautiful, new song.
Jo Ann,
After many years of marriage to a man who succumbed to unhealthy thinking along with a genetic condition also passed to most of our chidren, I met someone who made my heart sing, only to discover he also has some unhealthy patterns….and an addiction he can’t acknowledge for what it is. I gave him to the Lord but have a hard time staying back and out of it…..risk offending and further distancing myself….All of my efforts are rooted in caring, but still trespassing on God’s territory….I have grown children who need me whole and need to shift my focus, but crave Jeff’s participation in my life and the adventures we planned….however, his erratic responses when he is drinking make life together an impossibility and I am grieving this loss…My husband, who passed away, had an eating addiction, and ultimately pain meds that distorted his reality and robbed the kids and I of quality family life, gave his younger children access to his pain meds and they are recovering from that burden….
It helped so much to have Jeff, his boisterous humor, reasonableness except when he wasn’t himself and confused me….I leaned too hard on him, I know the Lord well, and will hold His hand…would appreciate some friend’s in Christ to walk through this with….
Susan,
I’m uncertain if you saw my article in Guideposts this month (http://www.guideposts.org/inspirational-stories/revealed-secrets-begin-healing) but I get it. The husband who gave me the scripture above is the gift I received these last seven years, after walking away from a very destructive relationship.
I grieve your losses with you. I can only imagine my precious friend! I pray that God draws you in tightly, into His expansive loving, comforting, and restoring chest.
We will be lifting you in prayer. Praying that God intervenes, restores, heals.
So do I understand that you are a widow now? That Jeff is gone?
Praying,
Jo Ann
Kelly, your words ring poetic no matter the subject. Well said!
I am a faithful reader of Guideposts and it blesses me in so many ways. I am truly blessed by your story and it made me realize something deep in my soul that I didn’t even know existed. The abuse I endured for my entire 73 years has left a hold in my soul and it’s not my fault and I don’t deserve it. I’ve spent my entire life on this planet trying my best to be a good kind decent person but that has not saved me from the physical and mental pain of abuse. I guess I some how thought it would. I have been thinking what you put out in the world is what you get back. NOT TRUE. Some people will take advantage of your kindness and good will and make you suffer for it. They use your good heart against you. This is the harsh reality and truth. I pray no one else ever makes this mistake. God Bless
Kay,
You are an inspiration. It is never too late for God’s best. May God redeem the lost years as only He can. Thank you for sharing.
I’m honored you were blessed by the story, that it somehow encouraged you.
Warmly,
Jo Ann
Wow. Deep. Powerful. Yes, we are kindred in heart Jo Ann. I love how you share how your husband is your covering and you were attentive to his suggestion in scripture. Awesome. I have had years of struggle in my marriage but now am at an exciting place where he takes the lead. When I listen to God speak through him, God speaks to me.
Cool.
Love your work. Love the lay out of this site. Your excellence is so refreshing.
Thank YOU!
theresa
Dear Jo,
This is a beautiful article and it is “so you”! Matt is a wise husband because that verse fits the dilimnas that you and I often find ourselves in from over extension due to our health!!!! He “gets it” in spades! I love this site more every time I visit. Put my name in the hat for the Max Lucado book because grace is my study area for this year!!!! I need lots of it and need to understand it more.
Love you, my sweet CB!
Karen