Take hope in the knowledge that you are cherished by the One who made you—you are sheltered in the shadow of His wing, close to His heart. It is my prayer that as we get to know one another you, too, will see beyond the veil and will learn to say, “Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord”
With joy,
Nan
Where is God When My Flesh Stinks?
This I know … my flesh stinks. Please forgive me for my snarky thoughts. My tongue is sore from biting it. Thank You for the self-control not to speak my mind, but please forgive me for my thoughts that were not of You. Renew my thoughts by the power of Your Word. I bring them captive to Your Lordship because I so desire to please You in all things, especially the difficult places.
The Breaking of a Robin’s Egg and Hope Secured
In child-like faith I recently scooped up the fragile pieces of my shattered life, and carried them to my Father. I placed them in His capable hands — put my hope in Him — and trusted Him to guard and resurrect my life.
Warmth from the brilliant light of His Presence infused my weary spirit. I lay upon the soft fleece of the Lamb who died that I might live. And I rested. And waited —
The Lord, My Burden-Bearer
I pray for those who are drowning in their sorrows, floundering under the weight of burdens You did not ask them to carry. I ask that You give them the courage to raise the burden from themselves and willingly hand it over to You. I ask that You give us all a visual of this powerful transaction and Your desire to carry the load, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light … when we ask for Your help, when we give it to You. Help us to always ask for Your help, Lord.
A Safe Place to Praise
High above the meadow, nestled in the branches of the oak tree, a melody rang out. Cloaked in red velvet, a cardinal sang praise to her Creator. She was in a safe place, held in the shelter of the oak, supported by the strength of branches bare against the wind of winter’s cold.
She found a safe place to praise.
High above the fray.
Where is God When Anxiety and Depression Overwhelm Me?
Lord, I can hear You calling, feel You nudging, tapping my shoulder to turn and face You and fall into Your open arms. You want me to rest in You, to conquer the anxiety pounding in my heart — the depression that stifles and isolates me.
You want me to stand still, be still, cease striving, and watch as You part the waters that I must pass through.
A Most Gentle Whisper
Elijah, the mighty man of God, lay hiding in a cave. This, after the Angel of the Lord found him sleeping beneath a broom tree to which he had shouted to the heavens, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” His despondency called for a gentle whisper of reassurance — anything from the God he served.
And the amazing thing is that these points of desperation occurred after this mighty man of God had defeated 450 of Baal’s prophets. by. him. self. Elijah knew the power of God. He knew the faithfulness of God. Yet he ran for his life because he feared a woman named Jezebel.
Why Must There Be a Valley in Our Lives?
I know many trudging through a valley right now. Remind them of Your presence with them, Lord. Open their eyes to see the things worthy of praise, even in the valley — especially in the valley: Your river of Living Water. The lush greens of new growth. The resting places to ponder Your majesty on the mountaintop.
Valleys are indeed beautiful, for it is in the valley that we may behold Your glory. Thank You for this insight.
God Speaks to Us Out of The Night of The Soul
It is said, “The darkest hours of night are just before the dawn.”
Perhaps that’s because of the contrast between dark and light. The contrast emboldens the darkness yet welcomes the inevitable light. That fine line between despair and hope. The bridge of reassurance across the abyss of brokenness.
And in that moment of darkest night the soul wrestles with simply giving up. Giving in. And the forces of hell come against the child of God because the enemy knows the breakthrough is coming.
Where is God When I Need His Love?
Thank You for going before me into all of my tomorrows. You lift me up when I struggle to stand. You carry me with Your strength when I’m too weak to go on. You shelter me in the shadow of Your wing and lift up Your banner of war against my enemy. I praise You for Your love.