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“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:1-5 NKJV
It’s been a minute since I explored any scripture with all of you. And I feel like this will be a post that will bear it all. A bit more personal than my norm, so pull up a chair if you like or skip on by (skip the next 5 paragraphs for a shorter read) but feel like healing is eminent, and processing it here feels needed and natural.
I don’t want to bore you with excuses. And I don’t want to make any of my reasons, reasonable. I simply have been fatigued, tired and worn down, unable to fulfill all the commitments I’ve made.
If I’m being honest I just quit. The last few months have been brutal (more about that later). And I quit putting importance on 1.) my physical health. I reverted back to toxic behaviors- like shutting down emotion with convenient and comfort foods. I quit because I couldn’t put in the emotional or mental capacity for preparation.
2.) I quit making these posts a priority. This was for my spiritual health. And to be honest it was restful. It was good for me and my relationship with God. I for a time only wrote for you- and never fully processed the scripture intimately for me, for my understanding, and for my spiritual development. I have since started a different SOAPing method, one that isn’t just for you, but for me.
When I started this journey with Pressed Olives, it was always with the understanding and belief that my contribution and all other contributors would give out of the excess, the overflow- never the lack.
What’s comforting are these verses. These verses have been my anchor of hope these last few months. They've help to dredge me out of woe and pity. They've helped me to reevaluate, refocus, and reaffirm many truths. Little did I know that these would be the very verses that I would share with you today.
Trials and tribulations are brutal. Don't miss the beauty of these verses- “but we also glory in tribulations….”
To be transparent, my words over several months weren’t glorifying God- they were glorifying tribulation. My words matter and I am so grateful God checked them. It was in these very verses that God showed me the beauty in the mess of my emotions, the grappling for understanding in a battle of faith, and ultimately hope in the promise.
The promise of God always comes with hope and that hope is only enjoyed when you receive it with faith.
So how does tribulation produce glory? From what I know now: it’s in the tough that we persevere through in faith. We don’t know. We can’t see. We can’t reason or possibly understand all of the nuance and yet we still press on and persevere.
Here is where it matters because the character I’m building through trial can glorify God or the problem- and I do that through perspective and where I train my eyes to look, to remain, and to focus.
And then, and only then will the character built through trial produce hope. Because it’s not about what or why- it’s only in the eye. It’s in the Who, who holds our gaze.
Hope is on the horizon. That’s what advent is and that’s what we have the honor of declaring to you. The Messiah, Jesus Christ’s birth is imminent. A promise of hope and received by faith!
Crafty info: These literally took me ALL day, and though they are not complete they will hopefully turn into a lovely garland, drink garnish, potpourri, and ornaments.
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