Oh, this heart of mine. It holds so many things. Sometimes, it's hard to sort it all out. In my heart lives so much longing, compassion, anxiousness and love. Muddling through all those emotions often just brings confusion. Why? What does my heart seek after? Why does it often seem to be in a state of unrest?
I'm sure many of us can say we experience this. Our hearts just get filled up with so much. I believe the deepest longing our hearts harbor is the desire to be closer to our Lord and to one another. I believe, we all have that place down deep that just wants to be loved and accepted for who we are...right now!! I believe many of us desire a place where real love and kindness flow all around us... just because it's the right thing.
I often carry this question down deep...."why can't we live in a world where we are kind to one another?" It's a question that often baffles me because I truly don't understand why. Isn't it easier to simply be kind and walk away? However, we live in a world where we can express ourselves in many different ways. In this day of Social Media, it is so easy to share our thoughts without facing one another. I suppose one could say it's easier to state our opinion to someone via our fingertips rather than face to face. It's easier to be BOLD and say something we wouldn't necessarily say to someone face to face. Right? Although I love Social Media and think it's an awesome way to "connect" with others and to share many things, there is a standard I set for myself before I post anything. If I would not speak it out loud to someone, face to face, I will not type it on Social Media...or share it.
I've been told by some that I live in a fantasy world. I suppose they are right.....at least by earthly standards. But the question I carry in my heart still lingers....."why can't we live in a world where we are kind to one another?" Don't all our hearts long for that simple kindness and love? So, wouldn't we want it to begin with us? As I grapple with this, my heart reminds me of all those times I am unkind, gossipy and selfish. It reminds me of how these sinful qualities, that I possess, rear their ugly heads many times throughout a day. Sure, maybe I don't necessarily speak it, but my heart thinks it and that in and of itself hurts my heart.
As I stated above, this heart of mine is filled up with so many things. And, yes, it causes me much unrest at times, because, my heart longs for what only Heaven can give. I suppose it's that thought..."what only Heaven can give" that keeps me pressing on. My heart knows there is that "place" where love, joy and peace will only live. My heart knows there is that "place" where my sinful heart will be no more and the perfect heart God originally planned for me will be intact. Oh, how I long for that "Place" .......HEAVEN! How I long to be rid of my sinful heart and possess those qualities I long for everyday!
My heart rejoices in this.....that my Savior, Jesus, came to die AND rise again for my sins.....for our sins. Yep, He did that. And His Word simply and clearly tells us this in John 3:16..."for God so loved
the world that He gave His One and only Son; that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will
have Eternal Life." And again in Romans 5:6 where it says, "you see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." And this in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 where it says, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep."
Yes, I believe! My heart longs for what only He can give me. For now, I'll simply muddle through these stirrings and longings in my heart and continually seek after the One who helps me desire kindness and love.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Sunday, January 17, 2016
I Wonder!
What if we all knew how many days we had here on earth? I wonder how we'd live differently? Would we treat our loved ones differently? Would we be less busy? Would we take the time to pray for others? Would we look at serving God as a privilege rather than a duty? I wonder.
Life's journey can be tough. So many prayer requests for others. Not to mention the many I have for myself. At times it's all so very overwhelming. It causes me to wonder.... what if everyone loved and encouraged one another along the way? What if letting go of all the striving for more, bigger, and better was replaced with striving to be all God calls us to be? What if we let go of the striving to be better than others and replaced that striving with a desire to love and care for others? What if God gave us our "end" date? Would our hearts desire be to know Him better and would contentment become reality? I wonder.
A prayer on my heart today is this .. Lord, "teach us to number our days so we may get a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12. All of "this" .... all the striving .... it's here today and gone tomorrow. This journey is a stepping stone to our life to come. Often I feel I waste so many days in striving for what isn't important. As I pray for many hurting people and people pray for me, I see better that caring for one another in the Name of Jesus is all I should be striving for.
Life's journey can be tough. So many prayer requests for others. Not to mention the many I have for myself. At times it's all so very overwhelming. It causes me to wonder.... what if everyone loved and encouraged one another along the way? What if letting go of all the striving for more, bigger, and better was replaced with striving to be all God calls us to be? What if we let go of the striving to be better than others and replaced that striving with a desire to love and care for others? What if God gave us our "end" date? Would our hearts desire be to know Him better and would contentment become reality? I wonder.
A prayer on my heart today is this .. Lord, "teach us to number our days so we may get a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12. All of "this" .... all the striving .... it's here today and gone tomorrow. This journey is a stepping stone to our life to come. Often I feel I waste so many days in striving for what isn't important. As I pray for many hurting people and people pray for me, I see better that caring for one another in the Name of Jesus is all I should be striving for.
Oh, my heart often wonders, "what if?" I suppose this too is a waste of time. "All the days ordained for me were written in His book before one came to be." Psalm 139:16. Quite simply, "being still" and resting in His Grace is the only place I need to be today. The steps on this journey are all "determined by Him" so all the wondering can cease.
Oh Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me see today as a stepping stone and give me a heart that is wise in living a life of service to You.
Truly, nothing else matters.
Friday, January 1, 2016
A New Thing
Out with the old and in with the new. Is it that easy? The "old!" Days gone bye. The "new?" Nobody knows...only God. All those "old" bygone days hold important lessons. Not all the days, but many. Some of those days hold our best memories to date. Some of those days brought about some of our best blessings yet. And, some of those days hold some of our deepest regrets, to date. Some of those days are days where "blessing" seems the furthest thing from it. Yet, through it all, do we truly know what is considered best? We think we know, but do we?
Often times in my life, some of what I thought were the worst days ever, turned out to be just what God knew I needed to "grow me up" in Him. Definitely NOT what I thought I needed at the time, but where in time (notice I said "in time") I saw that which I thought was the worst of times, truly turned out to be what I would now consider a great blessing.
God was never surprised by that. He knows exactly what we need. Always! He is a good God who only has our best interest at heart. We wonder....then why am I hurting? Why did this have to happen to me? What good could possibly come from this or that? Oh, how it must grieve God's heart as well. He is a God of love and we live in a sinful world. Because of that sin bad things happen to each of us. Some of the bad is caused by our own choices and some of the bad just comes because sin is a part of the world. It's not that God doesn't know. Oh, He knows. But, for His reasons sometimes He allows "bad" to touch us. We "see" it as "bad" but only God knows exactly what will come from each of our situations. Imagine all those "things" that God has not allowed to "touch" us in our lives. We don't think about those things because we probably never knew about them. He has a plan for each of our lives and that plan and purpose will be fulfilled in each of us. Ultimately, our God wants for us to follow close after Him. He wants us to be in His Word and to abide in that Word....the "Word" - the "place" where He speaks to us. He wants our trust. He wants our love. He wants to be our FIRST love. He wants to bring us to that 'Place" we are always longing for.....that perfect "Place".....that "Place" where there is no more death or sadness....that "Place" where we will be loved perfectly and we will be able to love perfectly.....the ONLY "Place" we will ever be truly satisfied.....HEAVEN.
As we journey into 2016 I have no doubt many of us will enjoy many happy blessings. I also have no doubt many of us will experience many sad days. It's what life is made up of. One of the promises from God's Word that really rings in me this new year is from Isaiah 43:19 ... it says, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Yes, our loving God will make a way. He will bring us through wilderness times....those dry desert times. Even when we don't "see" it, our God is walking with us through it. He is teaching us and wanting us to walk closely with Him. God also tells us in, Genesis 50:20...."You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." You see, His love wants one thing....to bring us all to Him. What we see as "bad" God can and does use for good. It may take many years to "see" it and quite possibly this side of Heaven we may never see the "why," but one day we will see all that was meant to be. One of my favorite promises in scripture is this verse from Romans 8:28. It says "for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and were called according to His purpose." Our God is loving and He will work for our good. We are His children. What seems to be hurting us, God can and does use for His good. It may bring someone else to God. It may bring us closer to Him. It may teach us what is most important. We may never see why or what, BUT, God doesn't lie so we know it is true.
As I enter into this new year I am confident of this one thing. My God walks with me. He walks with you too. That all by itself lets me confidently say that this will be a HAPPY new year. Whatever the year holds, I can rejoice and be HAPPY because my God walks with me. No one can take that from me.
IMMANUEL - GOD WITH US.
Often times in my life, some of what I thought were the worst days ever, turned out to be just what God knew I needed to "grow me up" in Him. Definitely NOT what I thought I needed at the time, but where in time (notice I said "in time") I saw that which I thought was the worst of times, truly turned out to be what I would now consider a great blessing.
God was never surprised by that. He knows exactly what we need. Always! He is a good God who only has our best interest at heart. We wonder....then why am I hurting? Why did this have to happen to me? What good could possibly come from this or that? Oh, how it must grieve God's heart as well. He is a God of love and we live in a sinful world. Because of that sin bad things happen to each of us. Some of the bad is caused by our own choices and some of the bad just comes because sin is a part of the world. It's not that God doesn't know. Oh, He knows. But, for His reasons sometimes He allows "bad" to touch us. We "see" it as "bad" but only God knows exactly what will come from each of our situations. Imagine all those "things" that God has not allowed to "touch" us in our lives. We don't think about those things because we probably never knew about them. He has a plan for each of our lives and that plan and purpose will be fulfilled in each of us. Ultimately, our God wants for us to follow close after Him. He wants us to be in His Word and to abide in that Word....the "Word" - the "place" where He speaks to us. He wants our trust. He wants our love. He wants to be our FIRST love. He wants to bring us to that 'Place" we are always longing for.....that perfect "Place".....that "Place" where there is no more death or sadness....that "Place" where we will be loved perfectly and we will be able to love perfectly.....the ONLY "Place" we will ever be truly satisfied.....HEAVEN.
As we journey into 2016 I have no doubt many of us will enjoy many happy blessings. I also have no doubt many of us will experience many sad days. It's what life is made up of. One of the promises from God's Word that really rings in me this new year is from Isaiah 43:19 ... it says, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Yes, our loving God will make a way. He will bring us through wilderness times....those dry desert times. Even when we don't "see" it, our God is walking with us through it. He is teaching us and wanting us to walk closely with Him. God also tells us in, Genesis 50:20...."You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." You see, His love wants one thing....to bring us all to Him. What we see as "bad" God can and does use for good. It may take many years to "see" it and quite possibly this side of Heaven we may never see the "why," but one day we will see all that was meant to be. One of my favorite promises in scripture is this verse from Romans 8:28. It says "for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and were called according to His purpose." Our God is loving and He will work for our good. We are His children. What seems to be hurting us, God can and does use for His good. It may bring someone else to God. It may bring us closer to Him. It may teach us what is most important. We may never see why or what, BUT, God doesn't lie so we know it is true.
As I enter into this new year I am confident of this one thing. My God walks with me. He walks with you too. That all by itself lets me confidently say that this will be a HAPPY new year. Whatever the year holds, I can rejoice and be HAPPY because my God walks with me. No one can take that from me.
IMMANUEL - GOD WITH US.
Monday, December 28, 2015
No Reason To Fear
Sitting and listening to the snow/rain pellets whipping up against the windows. Soft Scripture lullabies playing around me. Lyrics whispering, "let not your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid, just believe in me for I have overcome the world." As the winds howl and I sit here thinking about all that is in the world, it would be so easy to let my heart become troubled.
As this Christmas season winds down, I sit and contemplate all that God did for us. He sent His Son, our Savior, to be born in a stable. Such a humble birth for an infant King. Our Savior King, Jesus. He came so our hearts would not ever have to be troubled or fear that which goes on around us.
When I sit here in the quiet, safely inside our home, I feel His beautiful love and care. He, who conquered death and the grave. He who lives forever in Heaven. He who has prepared a home their for each of us who believe. He conquered this world. I can proudly speak His Word which says "in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me." Psalm 56:11
As 2015 winds down, I am reminded of His faithfulness. Troubles are all around us. People we love are taken away, but, this is not the end. We, His children, are simply here on our journey that He has planned for each of us. When this journey is through, He will call us Home. We have nothing to fear.
The year 2016 will soon be upon us. Only God knows what this year will hold for us. If we sit and think about all that could be, we surely could become overwhelmed with many emotions. My prayer is that each of us would simply trust the One who holds our future. We have no reason to fear. We only have reason to rejoice. Our Savior lives. Our Savior has a forever Home prepared for those who believe in Him as their Savior. He will take those who believe in Him to live in perfect peace, perfect love and perfect rest in our Heavenly Home.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that to whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
As this Christmas season winds down, I sit and contemplate all that God did for us. He sent His Son, our Savior, to be born in a stable. Such a humble birth for an infant King. Our Savior King, Jesus. He came so our hearts would not ever have to be troubled or fear that which goes on around us.
When I sit here in the quiet, safely inside our home, I feel His beautiful love and care. He, who conquered death and the grave. He who lives forever in Heaven. He who has prepared a home their for each of us who believe. He conquered this world. I can proudly speak His Word which says "in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me." Psalm 56:11
As 2015 winds down, I am reminded of His faithfulness. Troubles are all around us. People we love are taken away, but, this is not the end. We, His children, are simply here on our journey that He has planned for each of us. When this journey is through, He will call us Home. We have nothing to fear.
The year 2016 will soon be upon us. Only God knows what this year will hold for us. If we sit and think about all that could be, we surely could become overwhelmed with many emotions. My prayer is that each of us would simply trust the One who holds our future. We have no reason to fear. We only have reason to rejoice. Our Savior lives. Our Savior has a forever Home prepared for those who believe in Him as their Savior. He will take those who believe in Him to live in perfect peace, perfect love and perfect rest in our Heavenly Home.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that to whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Comfort That Isn't Comfortable!!
Thinking today about comfort. For me there are two kinds of comfort. There is the comfort that I love...the ordinary. The kind where I don't have to reach outside of my comfort zone. Then there is the comfort that God pushes me to. The kind where I don't really want to go BUT it is a place I am comfortable with as well.
Of course, like with a lot of things of God, that doesn't appear to make sense. But, it makes perfect sense. You see, I think most of us would say that the ordinary comfort is what we love most. Why? Because it is easy. Because it is what we know. That kind of comfort is the kind we simply sit back and give no thought to. It is ordinary...it is what we know....it is almost always the kind of comfort where we are with those who make us most comfortable.
Then there is the kind of comfort God pushes us to. I say "pushes" us to because it really does take a push, in essence, to get us moving forward. God is always with us leading us along, but, we also must pay attention to what He is doing.
Our whole life is a journey with God. A journey He places us on upon our birth and a journey He knows all about. His Word tells us in Psalm 139:16 that, "all the days ordained for us were written in His book before one came to be." He knows exactly where we are going. He knows exactly what choices we will make....right ones and wrong ones. Through them all He is with us continually teaching us. In Romans 8:28 we read that "all things work together for good for those who love Him and were called according to His purpose." God can, and does, use the circumstances of our life to grow us stronger in Him....to give us more strength in Him and to use us for His purposes and plan. You see, even those horrible times in our lives, God is working for our good. We absolutely may never know why we must go through what we do, but we only have to know that He knows why and not only SHOULD we trust Him (that sounds hard) we CAN trust Him (that sounds easy). We CAN because God is a loving God. In Jeremiah 29:11 our God tells us this...."I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.... "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." We would all agree that our God does not lie. This is what He says so we CAN trust Him.
Looking back over the course of my journey, I can see the error of MANY of my ways. I can see the wrong choices I've made MANY times. However, I can also see how God has never left me. I can see how His Hand has been upon me and has been at work in my life. Saying that, I will also say that I can recall the times I have turned my back on God because I was sure He wasn't with me. I was sure He couldn't be "working good" in my life because everything was falling apart in my life. But, looking back I can see that I may have turned my back on Him but HE NEVER LEFT ME. He continually used what I was going through to "grow me up" in Him. He was always their pointing me to His Word where He speaks to us. And through all of this, I can see how He literally has been "pushing" me to get out of my comfort zone and rest in a new comfort. The kind of comfort that truly does bring my heart the most joy but the kind where we have to literally get out there and "do" and THAT is never comfortable. Not only isn't it comfortable but it is scary and would be way easier to go back to the "ordinary."
As I am learning to trust Him and His Hand on my life, He is "pushing" me to new places. It is a comfort that isn't comfortable. It's a comfort that I love. It's a comfort that brings me great joy. It's comfortable to sit back and soak up His love, sing praises and pray. But what good is such joy when we hold it in for ourselves. God says, "go!" "Ummmm," no, that's ok God...I'm fine right here," I say.
Sometimes, when we look back, we are able to see how God has been preparing us. The "prepping" usually isn't the fun part of doing something but finally being able to "do" whatever it is, is good. God has been prepping me, as He is you, all along and as comfortable as staying in the ordinary is, I am finding that the uncomfortable place is comfortable too. Even their, God is with me. Even their He continues to strengthen me and guide me along. This journey isn't about me at all but in bringing Glory to Him. As I muddle along, feeling like a "nobody" God says this in Matthew 6:33...."Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well." He gives me strength. He tells me I am loved and I am somebody in Him. And also, in Psalm 37:4 He says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." I love that because He knows the desires of my heart and your heart too. When we "seek Him first" and "make Him our delight" He gives us what it is we need and want most. That "desire" is Him and more and more of Him.
So as I leave the ordinary comfort for that comfort that isn't always comfortable, I will continue to "seek Him" and "make Him my delight" and I know He will give me that strength, peace and comfort He promises.
Of course, like with a lot of things of God, that doesn't appear to make sense. But, it makes perfect sense. You see, I think most of us would say that the ordinary comfort is what we love most. Why? Because it is easy. Because it is what we know. That kind of comfort is the kind we simply sit back and give no thought to. It is ordinary...it is what we know....it is almost always the kind of comfort where we are with those who make us most comfortable.
Then there is the kind of comfort God pushes us to. I say "pushes" us to because it really does take a push, in essence, to get us moving forward. God is always with us leading us along, but, we also must pay attention to what He is doing.
Our whole life is a journey with God. A journey He places us on upon our birth and a journey He knows all about. His Word tells us in Psalm 139:16 that, "all the days ordained for us were written in His book before one came to be." He knows exactly where we are going. He knows exactly what choices we will make....right ones and wrong ones. Through them all He is with us continually teaching us. In Romans 8:28 we read that "all things work together for good for those who love Him and were called according to His purpose." God can, and does, use the circumstances of our life to grow us stronger in Him....to give us more strength in Him and to use us for His purposes and plan. You see, even those horrible times in our lives, God is working for our good. We absolutely may never know why we must go through what we do, but we only have to know that He knows why and not only SHOULD we trust Him (that sounds hard) we CAN trust Him (that sounds easy). We CAN because God is a loving God. In Jeremiah 29:11 our God tells us this...."I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.... "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." We would all agree that our God does not lie. This is what He says so we CAN trust Him.
Looking back over the course of my journey, I can see the error of MANY of my ways. I can see the wrong choices I've made MANY times. However, I can also see how God has never left me. I can see how His Hand has been upon me and has been at work in my life. Saying that, I will also say that I can recall the times I have turned my back on God because I was sure He wasn't with me. I was sure He couldn't be "working good" in my life because everything was falling apart in my life. But, looking back I can see that I may have turned my back on Him but HE NEVER LEFT ME. He continually used what I was going through to "grow me up" in Him. He was always their pointing me to His Word where He speaks to us. And through all of this, I can see how He literally has been "pushing" me to get out of my comfort zone and rest in a new comfort. The kind of comfort that truly does bring my heart the most joy but the kind where we have to literally get out there and "do" and THAT is never comfortable. Not only isn't it comfortable but it is scary and would be way easier to go back to the "ordinary."
As I am learning to trust Him and His Hand on my life, He is "pushing" me to new places. It is a comfort that isn't comfortable. It's a comfort that I love. It's a comfort that brings me great joy. It's comfortable to sit back and soak up His love, sing praises and pray. But what good is such joy when we hold it in for ourselves. God says, "go!" "Ummmm," no, that's ok God...I'm fine right here," I say.
Sometimes, when we look back, we are able to see how God has been preparing us. The "prepping" usually isn't the fun part of doing something but finally being able to "do" whatever it is, is good. God has been prepping me, as He is you, all along and as comfortable as staying in the ordinary is, I am finding that the uncomfortable place is comfortable too. Even their, God is with me. Even their He continues to strengthen me and guide me along. This journey isn't about me at all but in bringing Glory to Him. As I muddle along, feeling like a "nobody" God says this in Matthew 6:33...."Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well." He gives me strength. He tells me I am loved and I am somebody in Him. And also, in Psalm 37:4 He says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." I love that because He knows the desires of my heart and your heart too. When we "seek Him first" and "make Him our delight" He gives us what it is we need and want most. That "desire" is Him and more and more of Him.
So as I leave the ordinary comfort for that comfort that isn't always comfortable, I will continue to "seek Him" and "make Him my delight" and I know He will give me that strength, peace and comfort He promises.
Saturday, August 8, 2015
OVERFLOWING
I get to the point where my heart overflows with so much inside. It's not always good. It's often all jumbled. But, the desires, the reaching, and the constant longings that I feel keep building up and pouring over inside of me. It's something I can't really explain but my heart gets to a point of overflowing, where my fingers need to release it in words.
The overflowing that occurs, is my longing to be closer to God. The overflowing is my hearts longing to "draw close" and to RELEASE THOSE THINGS I STRUGGLE WITH here on my journey.....conflicts among us, the gossips, the back stabbing, the "I'm a better....(fill in the blank) than you, the "live for number 1" mantra, the unkind words and that lack of devotion to that which is most important. I am pointing my finger at no one. I'm pointing the finger at me. I am part of the world and the struggles I face are mine and mine to deal with.
Also though, my heart overflows with a LOVE FOR GOD AND HIS WORD that constantly pricks my heart.....constantly begs me to want MORE OF HIM. I overflow with JOY AND HAPPY when I am immersed in all things GOOD.....all things JESUS.
I long for a heart that is simply at rest. I long for a heart that truly finds her enough in Jesus. I long for a heart that says, I need nothing but Jesus. I long for a heart that truly lives a life of service to others and can leave my selfish ambitions, my pride, my vanity and my striving, at the foot of the cross. Jesus, has me in His Hands. I know this. His Word tells me in Psalm 139:16 that, "all the days ordained for me were written in His book before one came to be." Yes, BEFORE ONE CAME TO BE. He knows me (and you) that intimately. He knows all our thoughts before we speak a word. He knew all I'd struggle with. He knows my vanity, my pride, my selfish ambition and the striving I would have in my heart to know Him more and more.
What do I strive for? What do I seek after? My heart is always longing for more of Jesus. My heart is constantly striving for His beautiful peace and rest that He longs to give me...to give each of us. Sadly, all to often, I let the world and all it TRIES to give me be what I strive for. It's in the things that I THINK will give me ultimate satisfaction.....the thoughts that go something like this..."if I could be disciplined enough to eat right......if I were thinner......if I wouldn't be greedy.......if I wouldn't worry about this or that.......IF, IF IF, ....THEN.....I would be really happy....really at peace!!
His Word tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I trust that and believe He is leading me closer and closer to Him as I seek Him with all my heart . As I rest in all His Word says to me, I see that He is leading me each day closer to when finally my heart will stop striving for all that with which my heart seeks after. You see, my heart is searching after Heaven and all that Heaven offers us. Eternal rest......Eternal peace and Eternal joy. Their, I will finally be "filled up" with ALL my heart longs for. The PERFECT peace and rest I believe we all desire. For now, as I live in this "tent," this, sinful flesh, I will continue to "seek after" Him always, but also, my sinful flesh will also be tempted to believe that other things can fill that which my heart longs for.
My "insides" are so filled up with all the overflows from my heart. My heart knows and rejoices in my Savior who has given to me His Spirit...that "Comforter" that is always reminding me of what is truly blessing. That "Comforter" that is always leading me along and teaching me. Philippians 3:12 speaks to all my overflowing and longing......"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Until that time, my heart will continue to OVERFLOW with all that is in their. It OVERFLOWS with so much happiness but also sadness.....it OVERFLOWS with rest and also is very restless....it OVERFLOWS with peace and it also longs for peace.
I will continue to "press on" and as Hebrews 12:2 so perfectly proclaims...."Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The overflowing that occurs, is my longing to be closer to God. The overflowing is my hearts longing to "draw close" and to RELEASE THOSE THINGS I STRUGGLE WITH here on my journey.....conflicts among us, the gossips, the back stabbing, the "I'm a better....(fill in the blank) than you, the "live for number 1" mantra, the unkind words and that lack of devotion to that which is most important. I am pointing my finger at no one. I'm pointing the finger at me. I am part of the world and the struggles I face are mine and mine to deal with.
Also though, my heart overflows with a LOVE FOR GOD AND HIS WORD that constantly pricks my heart.....constantly begs me to want MORE OF HIM. I overflow with JOY AND HAPPY when I am immersed in all things GOOD.....all things JESUS.
I long for a heart that is simply at rest. I long for a heart that truly finds her enough in Jesus. I long for a heart that says, I need nothing but Jesus. I long for a heart that truly lives a life of service to others and can leave my selfish ambitions, my pride, my vanity and my striving, at the foot of the cross. Jesus, has me in His Hands. I know this. His Word tells me in Psalm 139:16 that, "all the days ordained for me were written in His book before one came to be." Yes, BEFORE ONE CAME TO BE. He knows me (and you) that intimately. He knows all our thoughts before we speak a word. He knew all I'd struggle with. He knows my vanity, my pride, my selfish ambition and the striving I would have in my heart to know Him more and more.
What do I strive for? What do I seek after? My heart is always longing for more of Jesus. My heart is constantly striving for His beautiful peace and rest that He longs to give me...to give each of us. Sadly, all to often, I let the world and all it TRIES to give me be what I strive for. It's in the things that I THINK will give me ultimate satisfaction.....the thoughts that go something like this..."if I could be disciplined enough to eat right......if I were thinner......if I wouldn't be greedy.......if I wouldn't worry about this or that.......IF, IF IF, ....THEN.....I would be really happy....really at peace!!
His Word tells us in Jeremiah 29:13, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I trust that and believe He is leading me closer and closer to Him as I seek Him with all my heart . As I rest in all His Word says to me, I see that He is leading me each day closer to when finally my heart will stop striving for all that with which my heart seeks after. You see, my heart is searching after Heaven and all that Heaven offers us. Eternal rest......Eternal peace and Eternal joy. Their, I will finally be "filled up" with ALL my heart longs for. The PERFECT peace and rest I believe we all desire. For now, as I live in this "tent," this, sinful flesh, I will continue to "seek after" Him always, but also, my sinful flesh will also be tempted to believe that other things can fill that which my heart longs for.
My "insides" are so filled up with all the overflows from my heart. My heart knows and rejoices in my Savior who has given to me His Spirit...that "Comforter" that is always reminding me of what is truly blessing. That "Comforter" that is always leading me along and teaching me. Philippians 3:12 speaks to all my overflowing and longing......"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Until that time, my heart will continue to OVERFLOW with all that is in their. It OVERFLOWS with so much happiness but also sadness.....it OVERFLOWS with rest and also is very restless....it OVERFLOWS with peace and it also longs for peace.
I will continue to "press on" and as Hebrews 12:2 so perfectly proclaims...."Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Blessings Abound
Life is a journey that takes many twists and turns. We often experience mountain top highs but we also experience many valley lows. Do blessings abound in both places?
Our natural inclination would be to say real blessing comes when life is good, when everyone is getting along, when we are treated with love and there are no problems. Oh how blessed we feel at those times. Often though, it's in those times, we don't acknowledge the "blessing" and take what we've been given with no regard to the Giver. Taking it all for granted, as it were.
I have learned in my own life, that it's almost always in those deep valley's that I'm blessed beyond measure. It's in those times that I realize or should say, remember, who the Giver of all good things is. But, what is "good?" Is "good" when life is the way we expect it be? Is "good" when we have everything we want? Or is "good" when we accept from the Hand of God what He gives us in that day?
Trusting God and believing He is a faithful God is easy when God's Hand of blessing is upon us and life is good. However, trusting God and believing He is a faithful God is not so easy when what comes our way is not exactly what we would call "good!"
"The Lord directs a persons steps. Who are we to understand His ways?" Proverbs 20:24. I don't know about you, but knowing the Lord is directing my steps helps me better to trust in Him. I don't necessarily see the "good" but I do know that He is a good and faithful God so trusting Him as He leads me is easier when I remember that.
I have found that when I focus on the blessings that abound in my life, I can truly see the Hand of God on this life He gives. When I count my blessings and name them I can truly "see" faithfulness and love. Even when life is hard, I can look and find blessings and then name them. A curtain blowing in the breeze, the sunrise and the beauty God gives, a grandchild's hug, a refrigerator with food in it, a pillow to lay my head on, ....and the list can go on and on.
I have found that this truth in Job 1:21, "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away" is what has to be central in my mind and heart. His ways are not for me to understand but His blessings abound all over my life and I have to always be looking for them. When I pay attention and stop taking for granted all He does in love, the blessings truly do abound and they are everywhere.
I am so very thankful and even when I don't understand, I can trust our God because I know He is faithful. Even when that which doesn't look like 'good' comes my way. What I see as 'good' quite possibly is the worst thing I could want for. God sees the whole picture. I don't.
So, as He gives and blessings abound in my life, I will trust our good God that gives. He is faithful and He has a perfect plan for my life. What that all entails, I don't know, BUT, He does.
Our natural inclination would be to say real blessing comes when life is good, when everyone is getting along, when we are treated with love and there are no problems. Oh how blessed we feel at those times. Often though, it's in those times, we don't acknowledge the "blessing" and take what we've been given with no regard to the Giver. Taking it all for granted, as it were.
I have learned in my own life, that it's almost always in those deep valley's that I'm blessed beyond measure. It's in those times that I realize or should say, remember, who the Giver of all good things is. But, what is "good?" Is "good" when life is the way we expect it be? Is "good" when we have everything we want? Or is "good" when we accept from the Hand of God what He gives us in that day?
Trusting God and believing He is a faithful God is easy when God's Hand of blessing is upon us and life is good. However, trusting God and believing He is a faithful God is not so easy when what comes our way is not exactly what we would call "good!"
"The Lord directs a persons steps. Who are we to understand His ways?" Proverbs 20:24. I don't know about you, but knowing the Lord is directing my steps helps me better to trust in Him. I don't necessarily see the "good" but I do know that He is a good and faithful God so trusting Him as He leads me is easier when I remember that.
I have found that when I focus on the blessings that abound in my life, I can truly see the Hand of God on this life He gives. When I count my blessings and name them I can truly "see" faithfulness and love. Even when life is hard, I can look and find blessings and then name them. A curtain blowing in the breeze, the sunrise and the beauty God gives, a grandchild's hug, a refrigerator with food in it, a pillow to lay my head on, ....and the list can go on and on.
I have found that this truth in Job 1:21, "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away" is what has to be central in my mind and heart. His ways are not for me to understand but His blessings abound all over my life and I have to always be looking for them. When I pay attention and stop taking for granted all He does in love, the blessings truly do abound and they are everywhere.
I am so very thankful and even when I don't understand, I can trust our God because I know He is faithful. Even when that which doesn't look like 'good' comes my way. What I see as 'good' quite possibly is the worst thing I could want for. God sees the whole picture. I don't.
So, as He gives and blessings abound in my life, I will trust our good God that gives. He is faithful and He has a perfect plan for my life. What that all entails, I don't know, BUT, He does.
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