The 180 Day

Do you ever have those days where you expect to live the day like any other day and then without any warning your entire life does a complete 180 degree turn in the opposite direction?

It could be that the 180 Day is a fabulous surprise, a day in which you feel entirely caught off guard by the events that evolve. Or it could be that the 180 Day offers you a new question to consider, revealing something alarmingly new about yourself and the ramifications of which you’re not entirely sure how to process. Or it could be that the 180 Day exposes you to something extremely painful, the hurt particularly numbing but offers with it an expectant hope?

Today is one of those days.

My 180 Day is unexpected, painful, surreal, and hopeful all at the same time. As I sit here trying to process the unexpected, I sense the Lord’s peace and pleasure all at the same time…words from Zephaniah 3:17 were offered before the 180 Day began:

“The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring [you] quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy."

And then since the 180 moment, words from Psalm 84:

"Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca [tears], they make it a source of springwater; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion…For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity" (6-7, 11).

I am so thankful that the God I know, while not safe, is deeply good. It is good to know that a 180 Day for me is not so for Him! He is not caught off guard by the twists and turns of my journey…rather He leads me through it with every bit of boldness, love and care. He is my Warrior King and will deliver me to Zion. I am so glad to follow a King who knows me well and knows the plans He has for me.