The frosty morning sent a chill through me as I walked Blue. The shadows along our country road seemed especially long. They reminded me of the shadows creeping over my spirit as I dwelt on thoughts of unemployment and thoughts of friends wrestling with their own adversities. I willed myself to think about Jesus, to speak His precious Name.
As Blue and I rounded a bend in the road, a patch of sunlight broke through the thick canopy of branches above us. A small mountain boulder, freckled with specks of mica, glistened in the morning sun. A pop of lemon yellow caught my attention. On the rock, surrounded by chilly shadows, a swallowtail rested in the sun. It gently waved its wings back and forth, clearly content in the warmth provided by its Creator. There was no evidence of fear, even in the presence of its enemies – a one-hundred pound Mastiff and a butterfly-lovin’ woman.
This little guy was at peace.
Surrounded by shadows and a cold, September breeze, this little guy was at peace.
I thought of the words from a few days earlier found in Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young:
“Wait quietly in My Presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not try to rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make My humble home in your heart. It is there where you know Me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear My still, small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually: words of Life…Peace…Love.”
I am learning to rest in God’s Presence. Like this delicate butterfly, I am learning that I am safe when I bask beneath the light of His love. Even though shadows surround me, even though the harsh winds of adversity howl, I am safe in the Presence of my enemies because I belong to the Most High God.
I am reminded of the words of David in Psalm 23 – a psalm which reflects David’s absolute trust and peaceful confidence in His God:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
“You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Beloved, cease your striving. I have learned that it will get you nowhere. Close your eyes and lean into the arms of your Savior. Like the butterfly perched on the mountain boulder, let His Presence warm your heart and cause you to be blissfully unaffected by your enemies. You are wrapped in robes of righteousness. You are washed in the precious Blood of Jesus designating you as a child of God.
Sweet friend, He is with you.
Always.
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Are you planning a special event for your ladies in the coming months? I would love the opportunity to share with them about the beauty and reassurance of God’s Presence in our darkest moments. The following is an excerpt from a message I gave in Sugar Grove, Virginia. Please visit my website at www.jubilantlight.com for more information. You may also contact me through email: nan@jubilantlight.com. I would love to hear from you.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to enter into the Presence of God as you worship along with Kari Jobe singing, “Come to Me”.
Thank you for this post. I read this after a morning filled with hate filled words and lashing tongues. It had been a pretty non-eventful morning. Suddenly, the caged lion was loose and roaming. Once again, I felt that familiar ache in my heart. I asked God, "why can't I have just one day of complete peace"? Then I read Morning Glory and took your advice. I ceased striving and rested in His arms. It is soothing here. Thanks my precious Nan. I love you.
I'm sorry your morning was difficult but I am thankful you have learned to hide beneath the shadow of His wings. I don't know why the song won't post. It is "Come to Me" by Kari Jobe. Simply beautiful. I love you little Rose.
Nan,
Thank you for sharing such a precious awareness of the Savior's love…like a balm to my soul this morning!
Yay God! I'm thankful it ministered to you. You are precious Glenda. Bless you!
Nan, after the night I had last night, I needed this sweet reminder. I was reading and rereading past Morning Glory posts last night until the calamity passed. I was actually able to breathe in His peace…if that makes sense. Thank you so much for this reminder. Love you sweet friend!
Oh Jamie, that makes perfect sense. Thank you for sharing that with us. Love you!
"Beloved, cease your striving." I needed that today. Thank you, sweet friend. 🙂
Sometimes I feel like the gerbil in the little wheel running, running, running trying to fix everything, yet accomplishing nothing :/ But, you know what? I really am beginning to learn this important lesson. I'm a work in progress, but I'm getting there. I'm thankful this message encouraged you Vonda. Love you!