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
Do You Have Time to Hear His Gentle Whisper?
The earth lay in a silky blanket of night. A quiet breeze drifted across the field, carrying the bleating of the sheep near and far. The gentle whisper of God also floated on the breeze, but no one was listening. Heaven had come to earth, but the people did not discern it.
Stars like diamonds glimmered — too numerous to count, too beautiful to fathom. In the eastern sky, a star shone high above the others, its beams of light touching the earth.
Quiet Me With Your Love, Lord. I Need Your Peace
Lord, You are the God of all comfort, my refuge in the difficult place. You are Wonderful, Counselor … the Prince of Peace. Oh, how I need Your peace. Will You quiet me with Your love?
Your love is so much stronger than whatever troubles me. I need You like I never have before, yet … I’m thankful because I know You like never before. This difficult place is teaching me who You are — the Keeper of my soul, the One who steadies my heart, the One who quiets me with His love.
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.