Does it sometimes feel like you are walking in circles and there is not sign of God directing your steps?
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” (Isaiah 40:22)
Does life ever feel like all you are doing is going ‘round and ‘round in circles and getting nowhere? Do you feel like you make a little progress, only to find yourself back where you were only a day or so ago?
God sees us–walking those circles. It might be like the verse above where God looks down on us and sees us as tiny as grasshoppers. The notes on this, suggest that this passage in Isaiah is full of rhetorical questions used to persuade the people to trust in the Lord, who has the ability to deliver, strengthen and restore His people.
That picture seemed fitting when I thought about this quote I came across the other day:
“God came to us, because God wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles, but moving toward the house of peace and joy.” Henri Nouwen
How comforting is that? I had been really struggling, both physically and emotionally, I needed God to draw my attention to Him, to pull me up to see things from His perspective.
God came to us:
He cared enough to come when we needed Him – even if we were unaware of our need.
He joins us on the road:
We don’t have to do the journey alone–God wanted to be with us.
He listens to our story:
Everyone has a story, but often people are too busy to really listen. God is never too busy to listen to us.
Moving toward peace and joy:
He reminds us where we are heading–somewhere that we will feel no pain–physically, or emotionally–because we will be eternally with Him.
We may still have to walk some circles to get there, but I think I’m going to view those circles–the setbacks we seem to face–in a different way now.
Prayer: Father God, Thank You that You really see us, and walk with us as we journey through life. Thank You that You understand and care about the circles our path might seem to take. May we be guided by You in every step we take. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.
Does it feel like you are walking in circles getting nowhere sometimes? How does knowing God’s there, make a difference to you?
Here is a video that can easily describe all of our lives. It is an illustrated video by Dong Haeng. I could watch these all day! -Lisa
This brought to mind a precious thought a counselor shared with me. She pointed out that on to road to Emmaus Jesus let the disciples tell Him their story. He took His time and listened even though He knew the story very well. It was their story He listened to, for their good. Sometimes we feel too small (like grasshoppers) to be worth His attention, but the miracle is that the opposite is true. This though improved my view of the importance of being true to myself and having self compassion, Enjoyed the devotional!
Thanks Elizabeth – great point you shared with us.
Fiona
Thanks for your devotional Fiona. What an interesting verse from Isaiah, likening us to grasshoppers!! I love the bigness of God through that. Fantastic quote from Henri Nouwen too. I’m thankful that God uses every opportunity…..even when we feel like we’re walking in circles. Thanks again. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Fiona, an excellent devotional full of a lot to ponder.
I am esp. touched by your reminding us that Jesus, Himself, walked the roads and “circles” so that eventually He could walk them with us, with His Spirit within and He understands our feelings of smallness.
We ARE on this road with HIm and when He is leading, we have to trust the path ( even when it seems circular ).
I so needed this message today. Thank you!
Love, Lynn
Thanks Kerryn & Lynn for your encouraging comments – I’m glad this was timely for you Lynn.
The “bigness of God” and His presence with us reminds me of the lines of a song I used to sing (not sure exactly, but something like) “He’s big enough to rule this mighty universe, yet small enough to live within my heart” – in the heart of a grasshopper! So amazing.
Bless you both – you are so faithful with these comments!
Love,
Fiona
Fiona, it almost seems like you can read my mind. Almost, because the Lord can and does and can use the words you and others say or write to speak directly to our need.
I think one reason I’m feeling like I’m going around in circles, getting nowhere, or walking on a treadmill, with nothing to break the monotony, is that I’m struggling more with depression right now. My attention deficit symptoms are worse, so I’m moving around in a fog. Unsure what to do and how to do it, so easily distracted by everything around me (as well as my confused mind), not being motivated to do much anyway. And feeling guilt -some legitimate, some not.
I know the Lord really wants to share this walk with me, and is with me. Oh how I appreciate the fact you mention that He is always ready to listen to me pour out my heart. Not my closest friend is as precious a listener. I also know that there is meaning to all this. It will not be wasted. The God who gave us his Son as OUR sacrifice on Good Friday and rose victorious on Easter to give us new life, loves each of us so very much.
Henri Neuwen’s quote IS comforting, isn’t it?
Blessings to my Australian buddy at this time of glorious Christian celebration.
Blessings, Beth.
Do know that not only Jesus is on this path with each of us – bur we walk with one another, too.
Love,
Lynn
Beth, it may be totally inappropriate to suggest this here….hope not…..but wanted to say that when my youngest son was put on meds for the ADHD, his thinking cleared incredibly! None of our family could believe the difference. I’m sure you’ve considered this or tried it. Sorry if I’m commenting out of place, but thought I’d mention it. Meds for ADD & ADHD have come a long way in the past few years. Just feeling for you dear Beth! Gentle hugs. Am praying. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Beth,
So often it seems that the words others write, could be our own – there’s a lot that each of us face that is similar, even though the causes and diagnoses may be different.
I’m sorry that you are having a rough time – I found myself identifying with much of what you described you were struggling with as most of this year has felt like I was in some serious fog – so I understand the frustration you must feel. I think the depression is often the hardest part.
Glad you liked the quote – I thought it was so good it needed to be shared!
May you be especially blessed at this Easter time.
With love,
Fiona