But The Lord Was My Stay...

He sent from on high, He took me, He drew me from out of many waters.  He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay.  He brought me forth also into a broad place: He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

Psalm 18:16-19

As I read this Psalm I was intrigued with the concept of "the Lord was my stay".  I dug a little deeper and found that the word "stay" is meant as, my support, my protector, or my saviour.  

I can imagine as David wrote this psalm, he probably wasn't considering who might be reading his words thousands of years later, however, his words continue to bring hope, to all who choose to trust in God's plan and purpose for their life, just as much today, as when David originally wrote this Psalm.

I take comfort in the fact that David is referred to as a man after God's heart and yet his life and choices didn't always represent God's heart.  With choices come consequences, however, that doesn't over rule God's plan and purpose. God knew David's heart just as He knows yours and mine.

I love the imagery that these verses invoke...as if God Himself  reached down from Heaven and physically pulled David of the water and saved him from drowning (from his own choices and at other times the choices of others). 

Have you ever experienced "a day of calamity"? Calamity as defined by Dictionary.com is a disaster or misfortune, especially one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery. As I consider this, I am humbled to read Davids words, that even in the midst of extreme havoc and distress, David knew in his heart that God would never leave nor forsake him, even in spite of his choices.  His faith always remained stead fast and firm. 

This verse is still applicable today, the Lord desires to be our "stay" just as He was for David. 

Will you allow God to be your "stay" today? 

Faith vs. Flesh

When does faith get to the point that we trust God for the no's in our life and the things we perceive as the, why me God, attitudes?

We will never get there by allowing our flesh to over rule our faith.  We must realize God is still God; in sickness and in health, in rich or poor times, in good times and bad times, and even in the yes's and the no's.  When we submit our will to, "Lord, your will be done," and trust that if we pray for open and closed doors, and the the doors are closed door, there is a reason.  While it might be disappointing we still have to trust God's will is better than ours.

When we allow ourselves to get caught up in the sin of, I deserve this! why isn't God listening to me? kind of attitude, we need to recognize this is arrogance and pride.  We deserve nothing, especially if we are deliberating making choices that do not honor God. Until we can honestly get to the place in our heart that God is God (and we are not) and He is centered over our life, it will be a constant roller coaster ride. We must choose to be repentant and willingly take steps to walk in faith and obedience.  Surrounding our self with choices and people who represent truth, honor, and integrity. While this does not guarantee a stress free, money problem free, never sad or disappointed life, it does guarantee that God will always be with us and His will is perfect.

God's purpose, commandments, and ways are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He has not changed.  Sometimes we have seasons in our life when sin begins to creep in and before you know it, it will over take you and you find yourself in a bitter angry place, blaming God for your choices and consequences.

God desires a relationship with us.  He is not a genie in a bottle to bring about our every wish and command. We are not promised a perfect life.  If you are struggling in the area of doubt, anger or bitterness towards God, the situation you may be in has more than likely been a slow burn of choices and behaviors on your part.  Deliberate choices. 

When we choose to lay aside our pride, arrogance, and will, only then can God begin to soften our heart and open our eyes to repentance and restoration.  This takes time and commitment. You can not put a price tag on this. Repentance and restoration have eternal value. Once this is established in our heart then our faith will begin to be stronger than our flesh. 

Rememeber it's one day at a time one moment at a time. 

There is always HOPE!

"So as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God"  1Peter 4:2

Choices and Hope

Our church youth group recently partnered with My Own Backyard, a ministry that was founded by Kathleen Murphy.  She is a woman who has a passion about serving near and far with a focus on "her own backyard".  She, along with Michele Hazelip, from Front Porch Ministries, organize an event called, HallaBooya, for the Nashville community. This event was created to give the kids in this area something positive and fun to look forward to near October 31st. The past two years we have made it a family event to serve.  My husband brings his DJ equipment and plays music, while our son and I serve where we are needed.  I had the opportunity to work the sign in table. Mrs. G, who is one of the mom's that Front Porch serves, wanted to help me. As the evening progressed, we shared our testimony's with one another.  I also saw her interact with the kids who came to this event. This area is known to be riddled with gangs and drugs.  There were three teenage boys that she saw walking around, she called them by name and asked how they were doing.  She already knew they had been in trouble.  According to Mrs. G, these boys, were not in a gang, but one of the boys seemed to be sitting on the fence. She asked each boy, how it felt to get in trouble and what were they were willing to do differently.  Two of the boys looked at the ground and said they didn't like being in trouble, the one who is "playing with fire," according to Mrs. G. said, " I don't really care, it don't bother me none". She went on to tell them they have a lot to live for and that gangs can't take care of their needs and that the Lord is good and saved her, so she knows He can save them.  She also told them she cared about them and invited them to come see her sometime.  

Mrs. G is a woman who knows what drugs and running the streets can do to you.  She is 54 years old, and most of her life was spent on the streets doing drugs and making wrong choices. She has numerous health issues and has had several marriages.  She is the mother of four kids, and the "baby",  is a teenage girl.  She is trying desperately to protect her from the things she is surrounded by; drugs, alcohol, sex, and gangs. Through out the night I saw her talking to several kids, asking them how they are doing and reminding them how good life can be. She told me she knows most of the kids tune her out, but her prayer is that seeds are being planted within their hearts and minds. She hopes they will remember to reflect  how they feel when they make good choices, as well as, the not so good choices, all the while, holding onto the HOPE that is there when we repent and make deliberate choices to change. 

This is good advice, no matter where we live; if we live in a mansion, in the middle class suburbs, or in a neighborhood filled with gangs and violence, we have choices and we need to remember there is always HOPE!

I am Pro Life But....

....I have had an abortion, and I have had more than one.  

I opened up with the above statement for a purpose...so that anyone who may be reading this, knows upfront,  I am not finger pointing nor is my heart to judge.  I am here to share and encourage, and  I hope that I can give you some of the hope and healing I have found.  My deepest heart's desire is to share my story and change someones heart that may be considering abortion.  If that never happens, that's ok, because I will also be here to walk through the journey of healing and hope for those who need it.

I wont go into all of the details, because if you have read my book, you already know.  What I will tell you is that  having the abortion(s) added to the weight of my scarlet cord.  I felt tremendous guilt and shame. I also carried unforgiveness in my heart. Whenever the subject of abortion or Pro Life came up, I found myself always nervous and I tried to walk away from conversations or excuse myself in someway.

I was at a women's event nine years ago.  During the intermission, my friend and I, walked around the tables that were displaying books and such for sale.  I noticed we were getting closer to where Pro Life information was prominent on a table.  There was a woman at the table. She tried to make eye contact and conversation. I was trying to pass by as quickly as possible without making eye contact, but it was as if a magnet was pulling me towards that table, and before I knew it, I was talking to the woman and the next thing I remember was her offering to pray with me in a private room and I said, "yes".  The moment that I said, "yes", it felt like a huge weight came off of my shoulders. I really don’t recall all of her prayer or all that she said, (nor even her name), but I remember crying and sobbing like never before.  I released every emotion I kept hidden under my rug for many years.  As she hugged me, she stroked my hair, and kept praying over me. When I left the room to return to the event, I felt like a new woman.  It was the first time I had felt like my scarlet cord of guilt, shame, and fear, was actually turning into a scarlet cord of HOPE! I had been carrying the guilt and shame for over twenty years!

That was the beginning of healing for me in this area and the beginning of learning how to accept Gods forgiveness, forgive others, and forgive myself.  It was not something that happened overnight. It's been a process. One day at a time, one moment at a time.

 I have shared a personal story with you, so that you could see, that the moment you become pregnant, while you have a choice, the choice stays with you, whether you choose abortion, adoption, or to keep the baby.  Abortion may stop the heart beat and life, but it doesn't erase the situation, the emotions, or the memory. I  know there are many women (and men) who are living in the bondage of guilt and shame for their choice in abortion.

The state of TN has passed a law stating it is now illegal to force or coerce a woman or girl into abortion.  While some women or girls may go along with the idea out of fear, guilt, or the over whelming feeling that there is no other option, I can tell you there is.  There is help and there is hope.

If you are in a situation where you are pregnant and need a friend to talk things through or if you chose abortion (whether for yourself or encouraged someone else) and need a friend to walk towards that journey of forgiveness, hope, and healing, please email me Sheryl@SherylGriffin.com and I will pray for you, encourage you, and connect you with those who can truly help you walk in HOPE.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit   Romans 15:13