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
In the Fiery Furnace, Find Your Reflection in Me Lord
Father, many are the afflictions of the righteous, but You promise to deliver us out of them all. You walk with us in the fiery furnace of adversity. You carry us through the storms … all because of Your great love for Your children.
Teach me to keep my eyes on You, for it is in that place of trust that I am strengthened to endure. You uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I can sense Your touch gripping my hand in Yours — when my eyes are fixed on You.
My Father’s Arms. A Sure Place in Uncertain Days
The young girl dangled from a large tree limb, legs flailing, tongue wailing. She was stuck and terrified of hanging 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.
Afraid to let go.
The young girl was me.
My Hope is Anchored in You Lord, for You are Alive!
Lord, I often think about the morning Your tomb was found empty, Your grave cloths still spread upon the place where Your body was laid. Your disciples’ hope had been anchored in You, but You were placed in that dark tomb. Dead. Confusion had wrung out their hearts. Crushing despair devastated them. But then …
I can only imagine the wonder Mary experienced when You called her name. Tenderly … gently … You called her name.
If God’s Peace is Hidden, Look Behind the Veil of Fog
I rounded the curve where the small brick church sits in a grove of trees. The mountain range lay before me with shadows of blue peeking above the veil of fog blanketing the morning.
Golden yarrow poked through the split-rail fence defining the meadow where tall grass swayed in the gentle breeze. Birdsong came from the forest just over the hill. Walking along, I thought about the Lord — heavy thoughts … burdened thoughts that desperately needed His peace.
You’re Greater Than the Evil One, God. This I Know
Father, how great You are! You are the Name above all names — the Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, Ruler of all things. You are greater than the evil one … this I know.
I do not need to fear uncertain days. I do not need to fear the evil one and the horrors he has unleashed on this earth for greater are You in me than he that is in the earth.
You are with me.
Trapped in the Overwhelm, My God Saw Me
Deep in my spirit trapped in overwhelm, I heard the words, Look up, Child, and behold My glory. Consider the heavens and the works of My hands. Consider the magnificence of who I am. Is there anything too hard for Me? Is there anything insignificant to Me? No, My child. I am the God who sees and I know your name. What concerns you, concerns Me.
The bird feeder outside my window filled with activity as my feathered friends consumed their morning feast. I watched and thought of the words still resounding in my heart … I know your name …
I Know You’re in the Dark Cloud, God. Help Me See You
Father, Moses said that You are in the thick darkness — the dark cloud. The light of Your presence creates the shadow in the cloud that veils You, doesn’t it? The brilliance of Your glory casts its shade through the cloud. I can see that, Lord. I can know and understand this image.
I find great comfort knowing Your presence is in my difficult, dark places. Thank You, Lord. You are drawn to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit, so perhaps the darkness I often feel is but the shadow of Your wing sheltering me … loving me.
Even in the Raging Storm, It Is Well for God’s Beloved
Raindrops — glistening tears from heaven’s throne — began to fall. Slow, but steady. The last of the animals entered the massive vessel. I imagine Noah prodding them with a staff, steering them to their stalls. As tufts of lamb’s wool brushed against his robe, did he gently caress the fleece and ponder the ways of God? Perhaps Noah looked about at the safe gathering of two kinds of every living creature on the earth and thought, “It is well.”
In my mind’s eye, I watched as Noah walked in a steady gait to the ark’s boarding ramp. His calloused right hand grasped the edge of gopherwood. Leaning on his staff with the other hand, Noah curled his neck, looked toward the heavens, and spoke, “Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I trust You and I honor You with my obedience.”
I Am But a Jar of Clay. Empower Me, Spirit of God
Father, You are my everything. Your faithfulness to me astounds me and Your abiding presence gives me strength to face life’s trials. Some days I feel very fragile and vulnerable, but then I remember … You are the Potter and I am the clay. I am but a jar of clay filled with the power of Your beautiful Spirit.
I may be pressed on every side, but I am not crushed because You are within me. I cannot be driven to despair unless I look away from You and rely on my own strength because You are my hope and my joy. When I get knocked down, You pick me up and put me back together again.