Are you feeling like you have been confined to the back room in life? This feeling can happen to anyone of us especially when circumstances change in life or as we age, we can’t necessarily keep up with the mainstream of life anymore.
The meaning & purpose for this is our reflection for today as we enjoy a cuppa together. So let’s grab our mugs, a treat & get comfy.
Today, I have a Vanilla Rooibus tea with a slice of homebaked gf Date & Coconut loaf. What are you having my friend?
It was so needed
Recently I’ve been journaling, something I’ve always advocated for but had been somewhat neglecting it over the past twelve months. But since my dear Dad’s passing in July, I realised I really needed to get back into my personal journal again.
Because it’s an amazing aid in the grief & healing process. As it helps us to sort through our thoughts & feelings in a safe & secure way, for personal journaling should only ever be between you & God. It’s not for anyone else’s eyes.
It can also be used as a form of prayer, meditation or conversation between you & the Lord.
I was journaling the other day about feeling as though hubby & I have definitely been confined to the back room of life, when a past experience came to mind & it seemed apt to include it in my journaling.
A few days later, as I was looking for a devotion to include in a birthday card I had created for my daughter, I came across one of the daily messages in this particular little devotional booklet gifted to me years ago, the message was written in a format as though God was directly speaking to the reader, interesting.
This message highlighted that when we are in God’s plans & purposes for our individual life that all the circumstances we go through are for ultimate good (a reminder of Rom 8:28). The accompanying scripture was;
Hope & quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lam 3:26
It went on to remind the reader that Paul the Apostle was confined to the back room of life for a season, when he spent three years in Arabia (Gal 1:15-18) straight after his very first encounter with Jesus. Obviously invaluable years with the Lord before the beginning of his mission & ministry to the Gentiles.
My thoughts then jumped to John’s time on the Island of Patmos, his island back room experience, where God revealed the visions for the Book of Revelation.
And John the Baptist’s time in the desert, an alfresco back room, wearing Camel skin, eating locusts & honey in paving the way for Jesus’ public ministry.
The Take Away
We may feel that we’ve been confined to the back room in life, especially when circumstances prevent us from being fully involved in the main stream of things, as we once were. But we must remember God’s appointed rests are as important & fruitful as the active seasons. And in that we can;
Be still & know that He is God… Psalm 46:10 paraphrased
Be encouraged my friend God has you in His loving arms & you can rest in this season of your life until He changes it.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
or in Prayer
© 2024 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photo by Jessica Lewis at pexels.com
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Thinking about the life and experiences of both Paul and John are such good examples of how there are times and seasons to what we’re able to do, and that a “back room” isn’t forever. Thank you for your thoughts. And it strikes me today that “be still and know that I am God” might seem like a simple command but is unbelievably powerful! Visiting from the Sweet Tea & Friends linkup.
Thank you Jennifer, I like your emphasis on ‘it isn’t forever’. Lovely having you drop by today!
Jennifer, your posts are always encouraging and leave us with so much to think about. Thank you for that, and thank you for sharing with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #59. I am certain that your posts have helped many people. ♡
Thank you for your kind words Stephanie 😊
thank you for sharing this post about journaling and snacks, and sorting feelings with Jesus. The truth is that we sometimes feel we are living in exile. The feelings are real. But we might not be aware yet of the purpose. Exile, a valley walk, the desert dwelling will strengthen our faith if we embrace it. But the feelings are valuable and Jesus cares about all of it.
Thank you!
You’re most welcome Lisa. And you’re right our feelings are very real as are our circumstances & Jesus cares about us, our circumstances & how we feel. Lovely having you drop by today my friend. 😊
“..we must remember God’s appointed rests are as important & fruitful as the active seasons.” Those very rests lead to the next fruitful season. Thank you for this much needed reminder!
You’re most welcome Joanne, it can be tough when we’re dealing with challenging circumstances that change our participation in the main stream. But knowing that God has us in His hands makes all the difference.
Dear Jennifer, thanking God for the comfort you’re finding in journaling, in remembering and reflecting, grieving and naming what matters to you. I’m praying for you even as we speak, friend …
Thank you Linda, I really appreciate your prayers.
I also enjoyed your post on what you had missed in fellowship. ☺️
For some reason your comments section doesn’t recognise me & keeps asking me to register again. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. But I do enjoy joining you.
Oh I’m so sorry, Jennifer! I sure would like your voice to be part of the conversation. Hopefully these steps will help –
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I’ll give it a try Linda, thank you 😊
This is so encouraging, Jennifer. I needed these reminders today. “But we must remember God’s appointed rests are as important & fruitful as the active seasons.” Thank you for these meaningful insights, my friend!
You’re most welcome Pam. I found the devotional very encouraging & timely too! ☺️