How do I believe a promise that has yet to be fulfilled? This seems to be the question that plagues many of our minds when it comes to going to court regarding matters of the heart, such as our children. This plan will take you on Rachel’s journey through court with God to her ultimate destination through it all – Peace!
We would like to thank Willie and Rachel G. Scott of Better Than Blended, LLC. and TKI
Day 1
Scripture: Psalms 34:19-20
Day 1 – His Rescue Plan
How do I believe a promise that has yet to be fulfilled? This seems to be the question that plagues many of our minds when it comes to going to court regarding matters of the heart, such as our children. This road had become way to familiar for me and for a person who has never had a single run in with the law, being before a judge and magistrate and having to present my case was beyond devastating.
Unintentionally, I had allowed ‘fear of the unknown’ and ‘what if’s’ to consume me and become the lens by which I understood the plans of God. I began to limit God and question his desire to bring about peace and wholeness within my family and in my mind. The days were long, my stress level increased, and the lies from the enemy continued to grow, until one day, when God encouraged me to intensely and intentionally read through the Book of Psalms.
In it, I found the heart of a servant name David, pouring out his frustrations, pains, and concerns to his father, God. These were his real, raw feelings written as a song, a poem, or a prayer. It amazed me how David lamented and worshiped all in the same chapter. He was not numb to the emotional distress that his suffering caused him, but he also was not willing to trade in his confidence in God for a moment of uncertainty. No matter what he saw or felt, he chose to trust the promises of God above all else and boldly declare truth over the enemies lies.
So today, what truths are you declaring? Today’s scripture has a truth that I want you to meditate on throughout your day.
The Lord comes to the rescue EACH time.
This is a promise and promises from God are our ONLY guarantees in life. So meditate on this truth for a moment.
Practical Application
Now that you have meditated on this promise of truth write down your greatest fear concerning the outcome of your custody battle then next to it write, “The Lord comes to the rescue EACH time.” Write as many concerns as you desire but remember to write next to it the truth.
Now read aloud all of Psalms 34
Day 2
Scripture: Psalms 56:9-11
Choosing Confidence
Scripture: Psalms 56:9-11 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
What can mere mortals do to me? This question seems quite tricky to answer in times of battle when it seems that ‘mere mortals’ can turn your whole world upside down. Had David gone crazy?
I don’t believe so!
David had chosen confidence in God, something I’ve learned is a requirement to press through any of life’s battle. For me, when an email came in, I had to intentionally choose confidence in God. When a certified letter came through with new motions inside, I had to choose confidence in God. When an accusation was presented to me and I was not given an opportunity to defend myself, I had to choose confidence. David had confidence in God and we know this because he confidently makes three bold statements in these scriptures:
- My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help
- God is on my side
- I trust in God
These were statements made in the midst of confusion with confidence.
The circumstances surrounding these statements were not ideal. He was constantly running from an enemy who, at one point, was a friend. He was battling others and taking over territories. He had tons of pressure from outside forces to do things contrary to who he was and what he represented. Yet, he determined in his heart that these situations were not going to impact his view of WHO God was or HOW BIG God was. Although he didn’t always see the full picture and the battle at times overwhelm him, he was determined to declare the goodness of the Lord no matter what.
This is what I believe God wants us to determine within ourselves as we walk the arduous journey of a custody battle. Who He is no matter what! When my relationship with God is hinged upon my perspective of how he handled my most recent difficult situation, it becomes a poor, discouraging, and disappointing relationship. But when I choose to believe that, “the Lord will perfect that which concerneth me… (Ps 138:8)” I may have moments of disappointment but I can remain confident in the promises of God.
Practical Application:
Write down what you desire to see occur in your custody battle. Now next to that write, the three statements discussed today. Allow this to become your declaration of truth despite your anticipated outcome. Use the page we have provided here to start your journal or use a journal you already own to get started today.
Day 3
Scripture: Psalms 66:9
Climbing to the Top
Scripture: Psalms 66:9 Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling
Have you ever watched a documentary on mountain goats? If not, take a quick minute and pull up a video clip that talks about these beautiful creatures. What makes this particular species of animals so unique is their ability to climb rocky, sloped mountains with grace and ease. They can go from one end of the mountain to the other without even a slip of the foot. These animals are truly amazing. God uniquely created them with the ability to climb high, steep, rocky, mountains with confidence that by design, they would be able to make it to the top.
Do they have enemies? Absolutely! A wolf or cougar would love to be the recipient of a delicious mountain goat for their noonday meal. Yet, their ability to climb so high actually keeps them from being prey to their predator. It is at the top of the mountain, where the clouds and mountain peak meet, that these precious animals find safety and protection from their enemy.
Such is the case for children of God.
As children of God, we can remain confident in the fact that protection is found in God and far above our circumstances. Much like the mountain goat, it is our willingness to focus on what’s above it all and remain assured that he will not let our feet stumble, that removes us out from the pathway of the enemy. By design, our lives are in his hands, which means our lives are protected. Just like the mountain goats do not have to fear hard and deadly falls because they were created to climb, we do not have to fear tactics and schemes of the enemy because we have been created to conquer!
Practical Application:
What tools have God designed you with to help you keep your foot from stumbling and how can you utilize these tools to help you see things from His perspective?
Many times speaking with someone who has walked or is walking a similar journey, brings clarity, peace and a new perspective.
Day 4
Scripture: Psalms 71:4-5
Trust is Critical
Scripture: Psalms 71:4-5 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. Oh Lord, you alone are my hope, I’ve trusted you, Oh Lord, from childhood.
There were so many times during the years of going back and forth to court that I felt as if I was completely losing everything. I felt that my life was my own and it was falling apart or being taken from me as the constant demand of court consumed me. The lies of the enemy were the last thoughts on my mind as I laid my head down to rest and the first thoughts in my head when I arose the next morning. For me to live again as God had intended, I had to make a conscious effort to see my heavenly father as a good father. A father that was there and would be there through it all. One that would fight my battles, not with me, but for me. I had to realize that the custody battle was not intended to take me out, but rather build me up as I chose to trust in him.
And the same is true for you!
This custody battle is not intended to take you out! This is merely a moment in time in which God can show you that your life is in his hands and he will help you. If you allow him, he will take this difficult circumstance and make you into the warrior he created you to be while carrying you through it. It was actually in the battle that I learned who I was, whose I was, and how to fight against the enemy of my soul. It was during this process that God rescued me from the lies that had been mastering my relationship with Him. God simply allowed my custody battle to be the tool in which he used to expose the lies and uncovered His truth.
God’s rescue plan is always above ours. He has a plan for us, our children, our spouse, even those oppressing us and it is far beyond our capacity to understand. He intentionally created us with a limited ability to know his plan so that we could learn to trust Him because trust is foundational in a relationship, especially with a our Heavenly Father. It is time to believe that He CAN be trusted!
Practical Application:
This battle is not intended to break you down, but build you up. In your journal write down every emotion you have concerning the custody battle. Then in a separate column write, “You alone are my hope, I trust you.” Write it next to every single concern as an activation of your trust in God.