Where Do I Start?

Maybe you’re reading this verse today with a feeling of despair and with no hope in your heart. It might sound like an impossibility for you to be delivered from all that’s happening in your life right now. The Lord’s promises might be true in other people’s lives, but for now you’re just overwhelmed by the different issues you’re facing.

So where do you start?

I once spent time with a friend, and realised that she was at a place in her life where so much had happened to her and her family, that she was just trying to survive, and handle what she could. I left there asking the Lord where she could start. What advice could I give her? I could come alongside her, but the Lord wants to bring the restoration. That is what He promises in today’s verse, and many other verses in His Word. They are true for every one of us, no matter where we find ourselves in life.

‘The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10).

You can start by just calling on the Lord, and acknowledging Him in your life and in the ‘mess’ you find yourself in. In Psalm 91:14 we also read, ‘He has known My name’. The Lord longs for a relationship with you. Usually the enemy uses our problems to take our focus off our relationship with God. We no longer talk to Him and share our hearts with Him, because we’re just trying to juggle so many balls. Ask the Lord to quieten your spirit and mind, so you can find safety in Him first of all. It’s like being in a terrible storm, and choosing to take your eyes off the huge waves for a moment to connect with the One who will help you and save you. Peace in the midst of the storm.

This is the beginning of your journey towards restoration. Place your hand in God’s hand and trust Him even when nothing makes sense. Walk with Him, and hold on to the promises given in His Word. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself of every promise and memorise them. For a while it may seem like you’re only surviving, but in time you’ll experience His strength and presence in your life. Remind yourself often that you will get through this because the Lord is with you. Allow Him to guide your every step. You might have to start by forgiving others and yourself, changing your thinking pattern, or making a decision to change your attitude. Share your hurts and fears with Him, and know that He understands better than you realise. Whatever He shows you, follow Him, as His plan unfolds in your life. Sometimes it may be a long road towards restoration, but don’t give up. He’s your mighty Saviour. Nothing is too big for Him to handle.

‘To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified’ (Isaiah 61:3, AMP).