I am overwhelmed at the moment. I could not find words to describe how overwhelmed I am right now. I started looking for notebooks so I can journal and find a truce with my mind. And then I found my journal in 2018. In some of its pages, I saw a letter for my 30-year-old-self. I cried after reading it. It was a perfect encouragement; a few days before I turn 31.
Here are the exact words that are written in my journal.
Dearest self at 30,
Today, I wish you happiness and contentment.
I may not be able to perceive or even imagine how this year is for you. But I wish and pray that whatever difficulties and challenges you have or are facing, that you will always end up with life lessons and stronger faith.
Remember that life is not what it always seems. Sometimes it’s as calm as the sea or as turbulent during a typhoon. It could be as amazing as fireworks, but it cannot be exactly as you wish it could. Have confidence in the love of other people. Do not judge others immediately that they dislike you.
My prayers for you are:
- Grow in Christ continuously;
- serve with greater purpose;
- find contentment in life (marriage, motherhood, and career);
- stop being late; and
- be more fit.
Above all, I want you to know that I am very proud of what you have become. Indeed, prayers for you have great rewards. Be thankful always and have confidence that you are wonderfully made.
Love,
Self at 29
I hope that you are as encouraged as I am right now. And I would like to repeat this just in case you need it.
“But I wish and pray that whatever difficulties and challenges you have or are facing, that you will always end up with life lessons and stronger faith.”
Among the lessons that I recently learned is praying the prayer of David. When we are overwhelmed and could not find the words to pray, let’s pray the goodness of God. Go to the book of Psalms and just note who God is for David. The God of David is the same God that we are praising. Notice the following:
…He is the shield around us…
…the One who lifts my head high…
…I am your father…
…from the Lord comes deliverance…
…the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for Himself…
…God alone, can make you dwell in safety…
…my shield is the God most high…
…the Lord is a refuge, stronghold in times of trouble…
…the Lord is my portion and my cup…
…the Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer…
…the Lord keep my lamp burning and turned my darkness into light…
…God provides a broad path for my feet so that my ankles do not give way…
…the King rejoices in your strength…
I would like to encourage you to read on with the book of Psalms and find comfort in the characters of God. I am leaving the same parting words to myself as my parting words for you. “Be thankful always and have confidence that you are wonderfully made.”