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
I Considered the Heavens and The Hands that Made Them
Brushstrokes of lavender and orange cream swabbed the evening sky as another day lowered its eyelids. Deep shades of purple and navy rolled in like a wave. The luminous brushstrokes rode the wave back out to an ebony-colored sea of night. The stars appeared. I considered the heavens and the Hands that made them.
And I thought of Job.
Your Grace is Sufficient, Lord, So Why Do I Struggle?
Father, You are wonderful beyond comprehension. Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I know that I know Your grace is sufficient, it is more than enough for anything I may face. So, why do I struggle? Why do I insist on fighting my own battles when You clearly are my Defender? You have never failed me … and I know You never will.
The things I don’t want to do, I do. The things I do want to do, I don’t. Oy! This battle of flesh and spirit is strong. Purify my heart and renew a right spirit within me.
Life Punctuated With Many Trials … God Heard My Cry
I pressed my hand against the cool windowpane, rivulets of raindrops coursing down the glass. I saw the image of my own tears reflected in the raindrops. The week had been difficult, punctuated with many trials. My spirit grew weak by the onslaught of the enemy and despair began to set in.
Even though I know better.
Even though I know the Lord is faithful to deliver His children from the flames of adverstity.
Despair was seeping in.
Through Tribulation We Enter the Kingdom. Really God?
Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the raging sea, You speak and the storm ceases to torment. Even so, You teach us that through much tribulation we enter the Kingdom of God.
Really? Why is that necessary, Lord? Why must we be crushed?
Deep in Thought, Led by a Searching Heart … God?
I ambled along our country road. Slow. Sluggish. Deep in thought, led by a searching heart. My gaze landed on the mountaintop in the distance. Blue-purple ribbons of rolling hills surrounded the giant dome. Why are you troubled and weary, Nan? I asked myself. Why so downcast? Put your hope in God, Maker of heaven and earth.
I often lecture myself. I suppose King David did the same. Throughout the Psalms, his dialogue addresses the battle of spirit and flesh, faith and despair.
I’ve Got a Grip on Hope, Lord. Help Me Hang On
Father, You are the Holy One, the One True God. You are my Beloved and I am Yours — You call me daughter. I’m so thankful I have a grip on hope, knowing that You have a sovereign plan for all things. And yet, some days it’s just plain hard to hang on. Help me keep my eyes on You. When my eyes are on You, the things of earth grow smaller and no longer threaten me. When I consider You and all Your ways, I find peace and I’m able to keep a grip on hope.
What reassurance this gives me!
The Sun Pushed Against the Foggy Veil Obscuring Him
Fog lay thick as a shroud this morning. A cool mist blanketed the earth as early fall temperatures butted up against the dog days of summer. I couldn’t see the old apple tree, but I could hear the morning choir perched on its branches. The sky held a warm glow as the sun pushed against the foggy veil.
My heart carried heavy burdens as I sat in the stillness of the morning. I prayed and watched, and watched and prayed as the fog began to lift. Prayer escaped my lips and drifted heavenward.
Be Found in Me, Lord. Transform Me Into Your Likeness
Father, I often feel so much like Paul: the things I don’t want to do, I do! And the things I do want to do, I don’t. Oh, wretched one that I am. Please forgive me. My flesh is a real mess sometimes. But, thank God … I walk close enough to You to realize it. And to desire even more for You to transform me into Your likeness so I might glorify You.
The battle between flesh and blood is real, hard, and sometimes painful as I confront those things in my heart that are not of You … there is a cost to discipleship. Sanctification truly resembles a fire some days — a Refiner’s fire making all things beautiful, a Refiner’s fire that burns away the dross and works on making me holy as You are holy. For this I’m thankful.
It’s the Flame that Melts the Hardened Heart
Closing my eyes, I leaned back and sat still, waiting on the Lord. I knew He wanted to show me something. Life had been hard. The flame of adversity had been fierce. Relentless. I found myself seeking the Lord for solace … and understanding.
I struck the match and pressed its flame against the candlewick. Within moments, a globe of fire consumed the string and burned bright. I watched as the flame grew stronger, melting the aromatic candle. The more melting occurred, the stronger the fragrance — the farther its reach as the aroma permeated the room.