You can call it coincidence, good timing, divine intervention, or God’s will but there are moments in time where in the midst of chaos, rambling around, or just goofing off that the universe hands you exactly what you’ve needed to hear on a platter. I had one such moment this week. It was late and I was poking around on Spotify looking for new songs to add to my playlist and I came across a song called “Thy Will Be Done” by Hillary Scott and The Scott Family.
For one, I had no idea that Hillary Scott (most known for being a part of the country group Lady Antebellum) had a worship album and second, would have probably never found the album on my own.
By the time the song was over, I was in tears. I take that back. Not tears. Sobbing. It would not describe the prayer of my heart more if I had written it myself. Actually, it described it better than I could have ever written. It could be the perfect anthem for trying to standing strong in your faith with chronic illness. It just spills out of my heart.
I’m so confused
I know I heard you loud and clear
So, I followed through
Somehow I ended up here
I don’t wanna think
I may never understand
That my broken heart is a part of your plan
When I try to pray
All I’ve got is hurt and these four wordsThy will be done
Thy will be done
Thy will be done
I was a junior in college when I felt the call to ministry and I answered. However, when I answered this call, I thought it came with a plan. After graduating undergrad, I immediately started seminary where I studied Pastoral Care and Counseling. I absolutely loved it. My health was continuing to decline but as I was working in the hospital during my chaplaincy internship, I finally felt like my pain had a purpose. I was able to connect to patients in a way that I knew that many chaplains were not. My spirit felt so alive. I graduated seminary in 2010. In 2012, I had to quit working and started the disability process. I was finally approved in 2015 and now, here I am preparing to beg my doctor for surgery at my next appointment. How did I get here? How was this a part of the plan?
I know you’re good
But this don’t feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It’s hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you’re God
And I am not
Lately, I have found it so very hard to stay positive hence why I had to take a little break recently. I love this verse because it is such a powerful reminder that God is so much bigger than my tiny mind can even begin to comprehend and the noise can be so distracting. It is in moments like these that I know that God is good and even when I cannot see what His plan is here in this very moment, I can trust in His character and because He is good, I can find peace and respite in that.
I know you see me
I know you hear me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Goodness you have in store
I know you hear me
I know you see me, Lord
Your plans are for me
Good news you have in store
I will be the first to admit that there have been moments where I’ve been singing this in my truck and almost had to pull over because I’ve been so moved by these lyrics. Yes, I am that weirdo on the side of the road singing at the top of her lungs with her hands raised in her truck but I can’t help it. Even in the deepest depths of my pain, I can find such comfort just knowing that God has a plan for me and that plan involves things that are good and full of hope. And hope is like the wind. You can’t see it but you can feel it.
I am so glad I happened to be up browsing Spotify that night so I could find this song. It has truly changed my heart and has helped me regain some perspective on my current situation. Though it doesn’t feel good right now, God is good and He has good in store for me and it is from there that I can draw my strength. I have put together a playlist called Strength For The Journey that you can check out if you are on Spotify and hopefully these songs can offer you some strength and encouragement as well!
What is a song that has been keeping you going?
P.S. If you are on Spotify, leave me a link so I can follow you!