Spring rains brought on a growth spurt in my old grapevine. While gardening Saturday evening I noticed an offshoot making its way up the nearby apple tree. Ringlets of vine — tendrils — spiraled around tree branches as it climbed, securing the vine before venturing farther on its pursuit of strength and growth.
I paid attention to the climbing.
Higher and higher, stretching toward the heavens.
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Lord, I have been praying and praying for outcomes beyond my control. I know You hear me. I know and believe You respond. But it’s hard to maintain this walk of faith when the situation seems to be getting worse.
While I wait.
And wait.
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The child dangled from a large tree limb, legs flailing, tongue wailing. She was stuck and terrified of dangling so far above the ground — terrified even more of letting go to slip into her father’s arms flung outstretched beneath her. Her saga on the limb, though dangerous, was a sure thing, even if she didn’t like it — though she dangled, her grasp was strong and the limb sturdy.
But she was stuck and afraid.
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Lord, what a mighty God You are! You are who You say You are. You do what You say You will do. Your promises are true. And the incredible wonder is that my insufficiency loses its power over me in the presence of Your glory.
You are El Shaddai — the All-Sufficient God.
My need is Your heart’s desire.
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I read these words, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You” (Job 42:5).
The porch swing rocked in peaceful rhythm. My spirit stirred as I looked up from my Bible, raising it to my chest and grasping the wonder it held. I looked toward the ridge where the sun began its evening descent.
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Lord, I need Your peace — YOU are my peace. Please make Your presence known to me. In Your presence is unspeakable joy, resounding peace, and my worry melts away. In Your presence I am safe and secure — I am held by Your warm embrace and I can rest.
What a mighty God You are! You hung the stars in place. You tell the ocean how far it can come and on each new day, You make the sun burst through the darkness. What amazes me the most about You, though, is that when I am troubled and overcome by worry, You know and You respond.
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I sat quietly at my desk peering out the window, yet my eyes saw nothing, my mind languished numb against the onslaught of troubling thoughts — those worrisome, nagging doubts and fears. My mind was blank, therefore my eyes were looking, but not seeing.
I had prayed earlier, but even that was not in earnest. I was looking for God, but not seeing Him. Just sitting before Him with a blank stare.
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