Writin' 4 Him

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A Safe Place to Land

Even when you can't see what we're holding, our body language tells you that we're talking on a cellphone

It’s that perfect scripture shared by a friend just when I need it most. It’s the song or hymn felt and heard from somewhere down deep inside. It’s that sigh when I’m found nestled among pillows on my favorite seat in the house. It’s that great cup of coffee that soothes away the tension and strife of the day.

When it’s fear and uncertainty that have me alert and jumping, it’s only the Lord who, with one steady wave of His hand, sweeps away all that has me on edge….all that rattles me. He speaks peace to my weary self and breathes comfort and security that claims me as His own.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

(Psalm 4:8) NIV

~~~

I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

(Psalm 16:8) NIV

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Precious Breath of Him

My soul grumbles loud today. It’s a foul mood that knots me inside and races each breath. My frustration that keeps all else at bay and I pull the covers up tight over my heart blocking out the peace He offers.

Seems a shorter, easier trek sometimes to venture inside for consolation, to sink inward for comfort…rather than grasp the hand before me. Rather than grasp the Word that promises hope.

When I’m thick in the middle of the grumbling and the fine lines that speak tension, beauty of the day escapes on the wind never to be recaptured. My heavy sigh resounds above it all and the whisper of God’s voice grows more distant, clouded.

But it’s there.

Even now.

Even as I fumble with words and emotions…He’s still there and the blessings await.

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:9-10) NIV

He’s not distant or out of reach. His Word, His promises and His love for us will never recede with the tide – will never weaken in strength, will never shatter against jagged rocks. Will never waver with my ever-changing view of things.

He allows us our struggle, and when the shadows fade and we fill our soul with the precious breath of Him, it only sweetens the blessing.

The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.

(Psalm 145:18-19) NIV

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Grand Mosaic

Some people scramble me. They land in my day in a whirl of words and chaos only to flee the scene waving my good mood behind them like coat tails flapping. They replace my solitude with their high energy; my control with their disarray.

As I become “more seasoned with life,” I find that my soul craves the calm waters. I gravitate toward order and peace, always seeking out the quiet corners spent in a comfy spot (whenever possible) where I’m free to hear the voice of God and He can hear me. I tolerate the opposite in very small doses, but truth be told, I’ve never minded being alone. In fact, I enjoy it ~ for me, being alone does not equal lonely. Perhaps it’s because I spent quite a lot of time by myself growing up, but that story is for another day…it’s simply how I’ve been wired. Although, I’ve come to realize that some people are the polar opposite and thrive in high gear at all times surrounded by many others driving through life at the same speed.

I think God allows His children to cross paths on purpose; to intermingle in this grand mosaic of personalities and characteristics in order to stretch us and grow us into effective servants of His kingdom.

As in an intricate mosaic tile display, the colors compliment each other. As a whole, it may appear random and not clearly thought out, yet each piece has been designed to fit perfectly forming one cohesive art form pleasing to the eye and spirit. Each element lends its unique qualities to the mix; some shine bright, others dark. Some have jagged edges while some lie flat and smooth. They may follow along a certain theme, but in the end, all work together – where one ends, another begins, and so goes the body of Christ.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5) NIV

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Defiant Me

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

She stood in defiance demanding an answer – not just any answer, but the one she wanted to hear.

But I held firm to what I knew was right, which only fueled her rage.

“Fine! I’m asking Dad!”

By now, in my house the kids should know that I and my husband stand united on the big stuff, so I let her storm off in search of resolution.

The scene made me think of the times I’ve stomped in defiance wanting God to bless my plans and, in essence, agree with whatever it was I demanded of Him.

But when His answer is ultimately “no” and I make the choice to do what I want to anyway, it’s the same as storming off and shouting, “Fine! If I can’t get permission from you, then I’ll go to another authority!”

Wow! Why would I ever purposely choose any other “authority” over my Lord? The act of not following God’s direction automatically assumes that I knowingly give power to the enemy! How could I ever assume that the enemy’s ways are better than the One who knows me and loves me unconditionally?

Lord Jesus,

Please forgive me for the times I’ve chosen not to listen to you –to allow my own desires to rise up over your will. Strengthen and guide me in the light of your love and let me not be misguided by any other power apart from you.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
Proverbs 10:17 (NIV)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wrapping up the Week with Thanks

(Re-posting this from last April, as it sums up my week perfectly).

Here we are again

Another week drawing to a close

Another week of prayers prayed

Requests made of the One in complete control

The One who whispers “Yes, you can because I am here.”

Because... I am

It’s the grace He’s shown this week

That allows me to sigh and reflect

To be thankful for all He’s brought me through

To consider the cost of my joy…my peace

I think of the dangers He’s kept at bay

How He’s kept me from harm

The rocks that could have tumbled

The daggers waiting to pierce the skin

The words intended to pierce the heart

Caught in mid flight by His mighty hand

How He’s protected and provided

Listened to each prayer breathed in private

Silent words spoken from the heart shared with only Him

I stare out the window

From over the rim of my coffee cup

And watch clouds come full of rain

But it’s all right

I'm settled inside – peace not only for the journey

But from it

He’s brought me through...once again

Guided me this far

And He always will

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

(Psalm 23:4) NIV

How has the Lord brought you through this week?

Share your praise in a comment – let’s give Him glory together.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Resonate for God

My heart beats loud and random, and I twist inside as the next step in my journey eludes me. I ask what I can do for Him, what I can write for Him, where I can go for Him, what I can tell others about Him.

And the answer?

Every stone, whether large or small,

when tossed in still waters

ripples wide and far.

Whatever we do, do it in the name of the Lord and it will surely glorify. When I’m stuck in life and all I see is that fork in the road; always the question, this way or that? I have to remind myself of the one simple answer….let all you do resonate for God.

Simple, really.

Yet, why do I make it so hard? Overcomplicate and over-think things to the point of paralysis? When it doesn’t matter how high, how far or how long when it all breathes of Christ and my desire to please Him. To grow closer to Him, and to be that stone cast in still waters.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17) NIV

Monday, June 13, 2011

How do You Measure Success?

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) NIV

How wonderfully awkward to sit in the chair behind the stack of books this time. There I was, the first to show up and set up, ready for the day ahead. I greeted, smiled, witnessed, answered questions about my book, talked it up and even shared hugs and chocolates. I came home with a few more copies than I’d hoped, but the joy and fulfillment from the day had me praising God’s name all the way home.

How good He’s been to me over the years; all He’s brought me through, the mountains He’s moved aside and the love He’s shown that has all brought me to where I am now – living with a heart that beats of praise and peace.

He’s brought me to a place where success isn’t an external thing. You can’t see it or loan it to a friend for the weekend. It doesn’t keep you afloat when the current rises. Success comes when you begin and end each day with thanksgiving. When it's His Word that sustains you through the fire and you reach for it knowing it's what holds truth. It comes when you turn to Him as a first choice as well as the last. It comes when you’re standing in front of that brick wall and there’s nowhere else to turn…but to His open arms. I feel success not when I hold the rewards in my hands, but when I know I’ve placed my life, my faith and my concerns in the palm of His.

How do you measure success?