Curled up on the couch, I watched the sun rise over the ridge. Fresh, cool air streamed in through the open window awakening my senses, drawing my attention to the One who loves me. I cradled my coffee cup and sipped from its warm goodness. I’m learning how to be still and quiet my spirit when I’m seeking the Lord.
Can I Really Learn How to Be Still?
Stirring deep in my spirit came a song, “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn … “
Tears began to stream — tears I didn’t know were there. It was like a valve turned and released some of the pent-up sorrow that builds until there’s a wall around my heart protecting me from myself as I strive to stay strong.
Tears released, and grace fell like rain.
God’s tender watch-care is tangible and soothes the difficult places. As I search for Him in the darkness of hard days, I always find Him. He is true to His Word that promises when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
I know His peace resides deep inside me. I know that His love will overwhelm me when I cry out to Him. But unless I learn how to be still before Him, I will lose myself in my own thoughts of despair.
So I look towards the heavens as the sun crests the ridge. Shades of lavender and blush paint the sky with the majesty of our Creator God. I close my eyes and I thank Him — I thank Him for the new day, I thank Him for His love and I rest in the awareness that He is drawing near.
Oh, what joy floods my soul when I consider that I am not alone. What peace.
On this late summer morning, I continued gazing out the window. The morning was still — even the birds perched in silence. I remained lost in my thoughts as “Precious Lord, take my hand … ” played over and over in my heart.
And I found respite for my soul.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
The song in my heart settled like a blanket over the fragile places. With clarity I heard the delicate whisper of the Lord, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
“I’m listening, Lord. I’m trying,” I spoke ever so softly.
And again, I heard, Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.
Precious Lord, I prayed, take my hand. Lead me on and help me stand. Lead me to Your mountain where I will stand in Your Presence and worship You in spirit and truth. From the mountain I will remember the cross that stands on Calvary’s hill, making a perfect way for me to know You and to come before You with my brokenness.
Pour Your grace upon me. Pour Your grace upon Your children who, like me, find themselves overwhelmed by life’s painful places. Let them find You in their darkness — Your light leading them from the cavernous places of pain, leading them to Your mountain high where they, too, can find Your peace and refuge in the storm.
I tipped my coffee cup and drank from its warmth as the Lord warmed my heart. I had become still before Him and He lifted me from the miry clay and set me upon His solid Rock.
As the morning continued to awaken and my spirit began to sing, I heard the sweet birdsong echoing my sentiments, “Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on and help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, and I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light …
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.”
Selah
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
Nan, this is a beautiful and comforting post. Thank you for sharing!
Shelem Shalom Nan. Thank you for sharing from the treasures of your heart. Your intimacy with Papa is a blessing to us all.
Oh Margaret, what a blessing you are to me! Thank you for your kind words. It means so much to me.