Have you ever faced a season so overwhelming that you wondered how you would survive it? I remember it clearly.
A Listening Heart
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Ten years ago today, on July 5, 2015, I learned firsthand what it means when the Bible says, “The enemy comes like a flood.” In a matter of moments, everything we thought was secure was stripped away.
It was an ordinary summer evening when the storm clouds began to gather. We had no way of knowing that within hours, our lives would be changed forever. Lightning struck our home with such devastating force that it started a fire, which consumed not only our house but also our sense of stability in a season when we were already walking through various deep waters.
When Storms Collide
The fire didn’t come during an easy time in our lives. We were already navigating significant challenges as a family, quiet struggles of health challenges and job loss that others rarely saw but weighed heavily on the heart. The loss of our home felt like adding salt to an open wound. It was another overwhelming layer to the burdens we were already carrying.
I remember standing in the street that night, watching firefighters battle the flames, feeling utterly defeated. We were homeless. The word felt foreign and frightening as it rolled around in my mind. How do you rebuild when you’re already stretched to your limits? How do you find hope when the storms of life seem to be coming from every direction?
But God…
These two words have become anchor points in my faith journey.
But God.
In His faithfulness, our Heavenly Father saw us through, and his benefits were woven through every moment of that dark season. We felt his protection over our lives, his peace calmed our fears, and his provision in tangible ways. When we had nowhere to turn, he provided shelter through the generosity of a couple. When we felt overwhelmed by the enormity of rebuilding, he sent helpers. When despair knocked at our door, he whispered reminders of his love through the kindness of friends, family, and even strangers.
The rebuilding process wasn’t quick or easy, just as I shared in But God, Part 1 and Part 2. But looking back now, I can see God’s hand in every single detail. He provided exactly what we needed, exactly when we needed it. He stepped into our situation and showed Himself faithful, present, and powerful. God sustained us through the devastation and beyond.
The Danger of Forgetting His Benefits
As I reflect on that difficult season today, I can see how easily we can forget God’s benefits when life gets comfortable again. The psalmist knew this about human nature; that’s why he had to remind his own soul not to forget God’s blessings.
Psalm 103:2 reminds us not to forget God’s benefits. Why?
When we forget God’s benefits, we miss out on:
- The peace that comes from remembering his past faithfulness
- The joy found in recognizing his daily provisions
- The strength that comes from trusting his character
Our memories have a way of fading, especially when new challenges arise. But God’s benefits aren’t just warm feelings or positive thoughts. They’re concrete evidence of His love and faithfulness in our lives. When we forget, we risk missing out on the peace, joy, and strength He freely gives, even in the middle of storms.
A Personal Inventory
In the years since that July night, I’ve made it a practice to regularly take stock of God’s blessings in my life. Some are dramatic, such as the way he provided for our family during our time of homelessness. Others are quiet daily graces, like gratitude for health, relationships, opportunities, and countless small mercies that would go unnoticed if I wasn’t intentionally looking.
This practice has transformed the way I face new challenges. Instead of being overwhelmed by what I can’t control, I remind myself of the One who holds all things together. Instead of focusing on what I lack, I’m continually amazed by how abundantly the Lord provides.
His Benefits Are Available to You
Friend, if you’re reading this while walking through your own storm, I want you to know that God’s benefits are available to you too. Whether you’re facing financial hardship, relationship struggles, health challenges, or any other trial, his faithfulness remains constant.
You don’t have to wait until the storm passes to begin recognizing his benefits. Even in the midst of your difficulties, his mercies are new every morning. his love never fails. his strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Join Me in Remembering His Benefits
Today, as I mark this ten-year anniversary, I choose to bless the Lord and remember His benefits. I’m choosing gratitude over complaint, thanksgiving over worry, and faith over fear.
I invite you to join me in this practice. Take a moment to remember the blessings of God in your own life. Write them down. Share them with someone. Let them fill your heart with gratitude and your mind with peace.
Because when we remember his benefits, we’re reminded of who he is, a faithful, loving, and eternally good Father. And that changes everything.
Reflection:
- What are some of God’s benefits you have experienced recently? Take a moment to thank him.
- How might remembering them strengthen your faith today?
I’d love to hear how “But God” has shown up in your story. Share it in the comments so we can rejoice together.
You may also be interested in But God (Part 1) and But God (Part 2), A Journey of Faith
The Called to Peace Workbook: A Scripture-based Guide to Healing after Abuse and Trauma by Joy Forrest
