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
When Growth Occurs Despite the Season, but How?
The aged apple tree stretched toward the heavens with its thin, finger-like branches. It grew on the forest’s edge, surrounded by pine, oak, and hemlocks. It grew despite the season, quite obviously a happenstance, a surprise to its forest shadows.
The aged apple tree stretched toward the heavens with its thin, finger-like branches. It grew on the forest’s edge, surrounded by pine, oak, and hemlocks. It grew despite the season, quite obviously a happenstance, a surprise to its forest shadows …
I Choose to Be Thankful, Lord, Even Though …
Lord, You alone deserve all glory, honor, and praise, for there is no one else like You. You are the Living God, Maker of heaven and earth, and yet You know my name. You know my anxious thoughts, and You know when I grow weary from the challenges of life. I come to You with a thankful heart, even though life is so very hard right now.
You have taught me that living with a thankful heart allows me to abide with You.
Are You Troubled and Weary? Put Your Hope in God
My gaze landed on the mountaintop in the distance. Blue-purple ribbons of rolling hills surrounded the giant dome. I was in the battle of faith and despair, trying to let faith win out. 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 faith and despair, spirit and flesh. Mountaintops reminded David of God, just like they do for me.
I’m Overwhelmed Until I Get a Glimpse of You, Lord
Lord, I need You. You are a very present help in times of trouble. You are my peace when I am overwhelmed. Your grace is enough because You are enough. Your love cannot be exhausted, for it is from everlasting to everlasting … You will love me forever.
Tears flow as I speak these words because I sense Your presence drawing near to strengthen me. Life in this fallen world is hard and growing harder by the day.
Your Presence is a Healing Balm, Lord, a Burst of Joy
Father, You are the Lord — there is no other. You call me by name! May I never forget Your tender watchcare, for Your love astounds me. You found me in the wilderness place and brought me up into a haven of still waters and lush green pastures where I could rest from the harshness of this world. Your presence became a healing balm to me, Lord, a burst of joy.
And Your presence remains.
Your Voice is Powerful, Lord. Speak Into the Chaos
Father, Your voice is powerful, majestic. You spoke, and there was light. You spoke, and the earth was formed out of the chaos as Your presence hovered above the darkness. The earth is in chaos again, Lord — yes, it has form, it is tangible — but things are given to the depravity of men, and it seems that evil has been unleashed.
But Your Voice … Your voice calms the storm, Your voice breaks strongholds, causes the wilderness to shake. Your voice brings new life, heals the brokenhearted, calls the lost, and restores the hopeless.
God, You Are as Near as My Next Breath. Open My Eyes
O Lord, You are the God who sees me and knows all about it. How can it be? What manner of love is this? You are not a god that is afar off — no. You are a God who is as near as my next breath. I am overwhelmed by Your love … I am overcome with thankfulness.
I love You, Lord. Thank You for holding my hand as I wander through valleys on my way to the mountaintop. Thank You for being a shield about me.
As I Rest in You, Lord, Renew My Strength and Joy
I will bless You, O Lord. I will lift up my hands in worship, for You are the Great God, Maker of Heaven and Earth. Teach me to rest in You that You might renew my strength and joy. For You are my Creator, Almighty God, and my Abba Father. I am found in You … I am kept by You. And yet … yet so often I struggle.
Unlike King David, I don’t have physical enemies. No one is chasing after me to take my life. But I, indeed, have enemies — enemies of the soul: anxiety, overwhelm, illness, dwindling bank account …
Jesus, Make a Prayer From My Wordless Sighs & Groans
Lord, no heart can comprehend how great You are, how sensitive You are to our needs and concerns. Your tender watchcare amazes me, Your extravagant love lifts me above the fray, as Your presence wraps me in Your light that overcomes my darkness. Thank You.
A simple thank you doesn’t seem to be enough for Your advocacy on my behalf. To consider that You, Jesus, pray for me, that You stand in the gap and intercede to the Father for me, is mind-boggling. And yet You do … by faith, I know You do.