I’m All Better

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:28-30 ESV

I’ve been debating on whether or not to share this as I thought maybe it was just for me, but for the last couple months the Lord has been speaking to my heart about the way that He answers us when we call on Him.

You see, on many days at about 2 PM, my four-year-old starts to literally cry out to me for different things.

Sometimes it’s for a certain toy, sometimes it’s to watch a certain show, sometimes it’s to eat a certain snack, sometimes it’s to go to a special place, but usually it’s not just one demand she has…it is usually several, and it’s often accompanied with tears to prove her desperation.

You see, she is absolutely convinced at that moment of what she thinks she needs.

When I suggest that maybe she doesn’t need any of it but rather she needs a nap, she cries even louder in protest and with absolute certainty that a nap is NOT what she needs!

But the truth is, I know exactly what she needs.

I know when she’s tired; I know when she’s worn out; and I know when it’s time for her to rest.

It’s amazing how once I pick her up and carry her off to the room, grab a good book, or sing her a song, it’s only minutes before she’s sound asleep and resting peacefully.

In about an hour or two she is awake, happy, and wanting nothing but to find me and let me know that she slept well and that she is “all better.”

So why am I sharing this? It’s because through this scenario the Lord has reminded me many many times that when I have cried out to Him either in desperation, or out of exhaustion (or a little of both), He has often answered me in ways I completely did not expect, or even want at the time.

On more than one occasion He has said, “Nichole, you need to rest. You are busy and concerned with many things, but what you need is to trust that I know what is best, I know what you really need at this very moment, and it’s not that thing or that outcome that you are asking for. Better yet, you may discover that I had something much better in store.”

Yep – He speaks to me through my kids. And I’m grateful for these simple reminders.

God knows what you need. Trust Him. Rest in Him. And then give Him thanks when you “wake up” and look back on the situation and say, “I’m feeling all better.”

Guest devotion by Nichole Salisbury. Nichole with her husband Scott has nearly 20 years of experience resourcing and equipping families. Effective Living’s mission is to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to marriages and families. Scott and Nichole live in Boca Raton, Florida, with their 4 kids (teens to toddlers) and continue to faithfully serve at their home church. Myeffectivelife.com