It Is Well With My Soul; But, When It's Not...

For the most part things are usually well with my soul. At least until some worldly presence reminds me that I’m surrounded by a world full of sin. I heard this song on the radio this afternoon and it brought some heated and lively feelings to the surface that I would rather not admit to experiencing. The lyrics that got me all fired up were from the song “Gives You Hell” by the All American Rejects. They went like this:

When you see my face hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.
When you come my way hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.

I know, I know, I know! This is not the attitude I should have but for a split second it gave me some relief as I was singing those words at the top of my lungs in my car today. If only it was a nice day and my top could have been down for everyone to hear me. Now, that would have been some major relief. As usual… I digressed. Some of you know that I have just experienced a broken engagement so I guess you can understand why I may get those sudden bursts of heated feelings right now.

I’m sure you can imagine who I was singing those words to, but I must remind myself every day that my Father knows the plans for my future and if/when my prince charming will come into my life. But until then, I must prosper in the place He has put me at this very moment. I also must ask myself “Is it really well with your soul, Elizabeth?” I can honestly and whole heartedly say, “Yes, it is!” This is only because I have been able to surrender the control that I was so desperately holding onto. Not to say that I don’t ever quiver with fright when I do not know what is in my future, but when that happens I have to declare a ‘HOLY BUT’.

This phrase was used by someone I know the other day and I fell in love with it so let me explain. The Word tells us to make known the desires of our hearts. No boasting intended here, but I am quite faithful about reminding Him of my desires. Like He could forget them- but I just want to make sure they are still accounted for. Here’s how I’m finding it works: I tell Him the desires of my heart and sometimes He has a better plan in mind (that I obviously do not see) so He does not always give me the desires of my heart. It is then that I must declare a ‘Holy But’ and express my desire to still honor and glorify His name even when I do not see my desires fulfilled. Here is an example: “God, please reveal to me at your earliest convenience the man that I will marry. It is my desire to provide a loving, caring, and godly environment for a family. BUT (this is the ‘Holy But’) if you choose not to reveal someone that I can spend the rest of my life with then I will still honor and glorify your name and find other ways to express my love and care toward others.” Makes sense, right? Right…. It’s not easy but I’m working on declaring those ‘Holy Buts’ every day and invite you to join me!