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
Dry and Thirsty was She, But God Heard Her Cry
My geranium sat neglected. Difficult life circumstances had taken priority and now the once lush and bountiful geranium looked … sad. Yellowed leaves edged in crumbly brown. Flowers, once plentiful, now barely raised their heads alone. Dry and thirsty was she.
The soil had become crusty. Hard. Void of life-sustaining nutrients.
Much like a child of God finding herself in a desert wilderness at the base of the mountain dry and thirsty, knowing she should be soaring from its peak.
Break Forth Like the Dawn, Lord, for You Are My Help
Father, I will sing of Your mercies forever, with my mouth will I make Your faithfulness known, for You are my help, Lord. I will release my praise, especially in the difficult place, until You break forth like the dawn in me.
I’m tired, Lord. Weary. The battles have been fierce and I’ve needed/wanted to shelter in place beneath Your wing. It’s easy there. I can rest there.
A Melody Within, Refreshing Like the Breath of Heaven
I had to step out and away for at least a moment. Like the breath of heaven, fresh air would do my restless spirit good. A bit of sunshine might dry my tears.
As I walked past the meadow and beneath the canopy of pine, a melody played over and over in my spirit. I couldn’t recall any words to match the music, but the melody I recognized. Wiping my tears I said, Lord, what is this song? Why have you brought it to my attention?
O Lion of Judah, Will You Roar Mightily Against the Enemy?
Father, what a mighty God You are, full of power and wonder, beautiful in holiness. You are the Lion of Judah, my King. You are my protector and my shield.
Will You roar from on high and scatter my enemy? O Lion of Judah, the evil one has been relentless and vicious in his attacks. But I know who I am. I am Yours and You are mine and no evil can come near my tent. I am secure beneath the shadow of Your wing.
Are the Billowing Clouds the Dust Beneath His Feet?
As I rounded the curve at the top of the hill, I looked toward the heavens. The rolling clouds reminded me of a favorite Scripture: Nahum 1:3, “He displays His power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”
Our dirt road runs alongside a glorious pasture lush from recent rains. Clouds bubbled, some ashen in color. In the distance, the mountain range rippled in shades of navy and slate blue.
Quiet Confidence is My Strength. Draw Me Near, Lord
Father, in quiet confidence I find my strength. Draw me near, Lord. Hold me fast and I will rest in You for You are my salvation and my song.
I am secure in Your love and when I consider it, my heart smiles and my restless thoughts stop their meandering into the shadows. It’s a beautiful thing … Your grace.
A Perfect Afternoon Walk Graced by Gossamer Wings
Finally, after a soaking rain, the sun shone through the crisp blue of the warm spring sky. The rain had ushered in cooler air – perfect for an afternoon walk. I rounded the curve near the meadow. My spirit stirred and I began to sing The Old Rugged Cross – a hymn that has carried me through many storms.
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame …
Lord, Be a Balm of Gilead to My Wounded Soul
Lord, I need Your Balm of Gilead. The arrows have been swift and hot lately. The battle between good and evil, righteousness and ungodliness is raging and I feel like I’m caught in the middle.
But You, Lord, are a shield about me. When I stay in Your presence, I am protected. But when my stubbornness leads me astray, I step away from Your shelter.
And the flaming arrow hits its mark.
The Boundless Love of God…I’m the Apple of His Eye
I cradled my infant daughter close to my breast, her silken fingers wrapped around mine. I felt each breath as her tiny chest rose and fell, filling me with wonder at the boundless love of God.
Our eyes locked. I studied her baby blues, looking deep into her soul. As my gaze steadied, I noticed my reflection staring back at me.