For every dream that goes to waste will find new life before His face
For all that you could ever desire is what He gives
It will inspire a love that lasts, a life lived well
And further than you can tell, there are better things
(Lyrics taken from “Holly Dear” by Kristene DiMarco)
There are many times in life when I feel far from God. In these times, I am not in the Bible, reading and learning. I am also not daily praying about my stress, worries, dreams, or other people and their needs. When I get in this kind of “slump” I am a miserable person inwardly. People who are close to me may see some of it but I am usually pretty good at keeping it in. I am miserable because I know that God wants more from me and that I am not prioritizing. Selfishness creeps in and God takes the backseat.
When I finally get tired of being in such a miserable state, God brings me back to himself through music. It is an easy gateway for me to feel close again to God. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to go through the Redemption Group Immersion Weekend. It was freeing and eye-opening, as well as extremely exhausting. Thankfully, God placed me there and taught me a lot about the weight that I have been carrying. One of the major themes from that weekend for me, was how my “dreams” for my life weren’t coming to fruition. As I came to this realization, the ladies in the group helped to clarify that I was angry and unhappy, even though I was putting on a front of happiness. I realized that I was holding the paintbrush and trying to paint a picture for my life. The more the “incorrect” picture was being painted, the more frustrated with God I felt. I rejoiced in this conviction and am to this day trusting in God as my painter.
Of course, it’s always easier said than done. So, each day I pray for God to hold that brush. To do His will for my life and not my own. I also enjoy connecting with God through music. Kristene DiMarco sings it best in her song, “Holly Dear.” In the lyrics, the chorus reminds us that all we desire and what’s even better than our desires... is what God desires for US! There are better things than what we can imagine for our lives. These lyrics truly encourage me every time I listen to this song. I know that what God wants for me, I can’t even see and that I can trust in His leadership.
The book of Psalm speaks of God being the artist for our lives. We can trust that with Him, we will live joyfully and be fulfilled in ways unimaginable. I want to get rid of my “dream” for my life so that nothing gets in the way of God’s plan.
Psalm 16:7-11 (NIV)
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 40:4, 5 (NIV)
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false Gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 73:24, 25 (NIV)
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Why should I try to hold that paintbrush? I am not God! God is trustworthy. God is my stronghold. He tells me He will make known the path He wants for my life. I can rest secure knowing this. “Further than you can tell, there are better things.” I find joy in this statement because He does provide better things...anything better than I could ever desire!
