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
Give Me Singleness of Heart, God. I’m So Distracted
Father, Your greatest commandment is that we love You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. With my entire being, I love You, Lord! Yet, I am struggling with distractions in my devotion. My singleness of heart is being challenged by difficult places.
You are worthy of all my love. You are worthy of all praise. You are my Lord, but my time with You is constantly being interrupted — many times by my own choices. This is not what I want.
Where is God When Circumstances are Difficult?
Dreaded feelings of captivity washed over me while I tossed and turned. I pulled the covers tighter as the nightmare consumed me — the imaginary chains yanking on my ankles, keeping me bound in dark and painful circumstances.
My circumstances were hard to understand. Difficult.
Confusing.
They seemed to have no end.
I Am Hidden in You, Jesus, in Your Secret Place
Lord, You are my shelter, my refuge, my strong tower above the enemy. You have hidden me in You, Jesus, for it is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me. When Father God looks on me, He sees You, Your righteousness … He sees me as His daughter who wears His robe of righteousness.
Because of You, Jesus.
Help me understand this. Help me understand Your covenant that makes You my God and makes me Your child. Forever.
When Hope Rode Upon the Sunbeams of Winter
The sun came out this morning, its golden beams streaking across the barren branches of winter. The contrast was stunning. The hope that rode upon the sunbeams, promising. The winter has been long and hard -- brutal at times. Its oyster-gray sky has lingered like a...
You Are Jehovah Shammah, the Lord Who is There
Father, You are the omniscient, omnipotent, Almighty God — You are Jehovah Shammah, the Lord Who is There. I do not walk alone … You are always by my side.
When I pass through the waters, I will not drown because You are with me and You carry me safely to the other side. When I walk through the flames of adversity, I will not be burned because You are a shield about me. You protect me fiercely, O Keeper of my soul.
Why Were These Menacing Clouds Stirring My Spirit?
I rounded the curve along the row of hemlocks and pulled my hood over my head. The drizzle was changing to a cold rain. Clouds hung heavy in the menacing sky as, step-by-step, I made my trek along the dirt road. Pondering. Reflecting. Why were these menacing clouds stirring my spirit?
Frustration shrouded my thoughts because I had fallen asleep during my quiet time. Yes, I was worn out and needed rest. But my quiet time with Jesus is where I garner strength.
In the Wilderness You Teach Me Who You Are, Lord
O God, You are my God, early will I seek You. My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land. Only You can satisfy the longing soul. Only You can search my heart and know my anxious thoughts … only You can give me perfect peace. In the wilderness place, You teach me who You are.
Never has Your love failed me. I have no need to fear the difficult places because You promise that Your presence will go with me and You will give me rest.
The Parable of An Exclamation Point When Life is Hard
The world outside my window is cased in ice, thick like crystal glass. Hints of morning light begins to break through the dense cloud cover casting sparkling light across the landscape. A cardinal serves as an exclamation point against the white wintry backdrop.
The beauty of the ice is stunning.
The danger of the ice is daunting.
It’s a visual of what I’m experiencing in this current life season: The blending of joy and sorrow, the conundrum of blessed and broken.
O Morning Star, Arise. My Darkness Needs Your Light
Lord, I’m struggling. Not every moment of every day, but there are some days that overwhelm comes in like a tsunami and consumes me. I sense a steady slide that needs Your intervention. You are the bright and Morning Star. Would You shine into my darkness and overcome it with Your light?
In the morning I look to You. As I sip my coffee and watch the sun come up over the ridge, I lean into Your love and find peace. Indeed, Your mercies are new every morning. I open my mouth and You fill it … I’m so thankful.