Regardless

How can we follow forward when everything around us seems to be falling apart, and we can't see a hopeful future to walk into?

How can we remain filled with light, faith, hope, and trust, regardless of what's happening around us?

One of the definitions of regardless (note - I did not write "irregardless" as this is not a word - I can sense my grammar-loving friends nodding in approval) is despite the prevailing circumstances.

The circumstances around you may be sad, dark, and uncertain. Dread and hopelessness may fill your mind as you feel pulled to give up and let the gloom sink in.

In these moments, you need to give yourself a minute to loll (one step up from wallowing) in some lamenting.

I wrote about lamenting a few months back here: Faithful Lameting.

I'll give you a few moments to read that while I loll in my own lamenting for a bit.

Alright, we're back.

It's essential to feel the feelings we have in these moments. If we try to say "I'm fine" or "It's fine" through them, the real feelings only stay hidden in the dark shadows, holding us back and pinning us down with their weight of despair.

It's wise to let it all out during our lamenting lolls.

State your feelings. Feel them.  

Scream, cry, kick your feet, stick out your tongue, or swear (my mother always recommended that).

Let the dark ickies come out into the light.

They have less power over us in the light of day.

Do you need another moment?  

Okay, I'll wait.

And we're back.

When you are scared and hurting, it's no time for inspirational quotes, pithy statements, under-the-rug sweeping, or childlike fantasies of glitter-filled unicorns amidst rainbows.

Ya just gotta loll for a while.

And, by the way, God isn't getting impatient with us during these moments. He knows what we are feeling and holds us close as we loll, cry, and gnash our teeth.

Alright.  

Deep breaths.

It's time we get up and get on our way.

We can't lollygag (whoa - isn't that interesting).

We gotta get up and let the light in and keep going.

Regardless of our circumstances, we must follow where God's goodness leads us.

We will get through this, my friend.

We can keep going.

We can walk together to ensure we don't lollygag in our lamenting for too long.

Regardless, we will follow forward.

Show us the way, God, and help us keep our eyes focused on You.

Psalm 4: 25-27

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Lamentations 3:24

"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.