Bring God In

Psalm 22:1-5 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?  Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.  Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.  3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.  4 Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.  5 They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

This week's study for our women at church was prophecy.  Specifically Messianic (Jesus related) prophecy from the Old Testament that was fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ. These verses above spoke of Jesus' time on the Cross where He took our sin and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.

Imagine the suffering Jesus was experiencing at this moment.  The agony.  I can't.  I get upset when I stub my toe.  While He hung there He took care of His mother, the thief on the cross next to Him, and even forgave those who had put Him there (that includes you and me). 

But this Psalm leads us to another truth.  It's the wonderful blessings of praise.  When we suffer, when we go through the dark valleys of this life, praise brings God's Presence to our sphere of existence.  It enthrones Him higher than our troubles and heartaches.  It reminds us He is with us, even when we don't see the answers we are looking for, even if He seems distance and we feel abandoned.  Praise takes our eyes off of everything going on and sets them on the One who is high and lifted up.  It tells our hearts, the spiritual world around us and our God that we trust and reverence Him above all else.  

I can't remember noting this before and I was so excited to see it.  As I've been working on not complaining, I realize that praise is the perfect replacement for griping.  This whole Scriptural God visit complimented the promise I made this Lenten season.  

Lord, give us the grace to praise You in everthying.  To be thankful and trust You.  Replace our fears, our doubts, our worries and our complaints with praise and I know we will see You come into our circumstances and we will come into You Presence where we can find rest.  You are awesome and wonderful and I glorify You Name.  

Quietude

Quietude.  I like the word.  And I never get a chance to use it.  I looked it up to see the synomyns.  Tranquility, hush, serenity, silence, stillness, peace, lull to name a few.  

This morning I woke up early and did my chores.  Kitties got fed, medicine given, and cleaned up after the little darlings.  Dishes got put away, coffee was made and all became quiet as I sat down to "wake up" my brain.  And there was a hush surrounding me.  My husband was still sleeping (God love him, but he can be a noisy person), the cats had settled for their after breakfast nap (what a life! Lol), and everything around me was still.  In the crazy busy world, this is such a treasure to me.  It makes me think of being able to breathe.

What a gift!  The only sound was some birds chatting and I was able to just sit and relish the peace of God washing over me.  

I had not wanted to get up early today.  I didn't have any reason to.  But God did.  He wanted me up so He could bless me before the day got active and noisy.  Wow!  I am so grateful for this sweet blessing.  

I am so glad I listened to the Spirit's leading and got out of bed 1/2 an hour early.  Anytime we obey we will be blessed, even in the smallest of things.  

Something I am noticing lately, it's the small things that come with so much packed into them.  Be it moments of time, prayer....whatever, God builds the most beautiful stories and blessings in the littlest of actions.  

Thank You Lord!!  

Small Prayer

Recently I was praying and that led me to thinking about my prayers.  There are so many pray requests that come into my realm of living.  Sunday night church ones, prayer group, neighborhood, ladies, and the church prayer line.  Then there's individuals who reach out, regular ongoing prayers of my own, prayers for those I've met in missions, and for those around the world...the needs and desires go on and on and it feels overwhelming.  I'm too small for all of this!!  My prayers are inadequate!!  They are not eloquent or fancy, sometimes I can only think of a few words or maybe even just a cry of the heart.  

But then I felt it come up in my heart, "I am more than enough.  I am more than able to handle the biggest and smallest prayers."  Our prayers, no matter how small or sloppy or inarticulate go to a Being who is more than enough, who is infinite and wise.  His ways and His character and care are not determined by the size or substance of our prayers.  

Do you too doubt your prayers?  Do you feel like your prayers are too small, too messy, not special enough?  While this may be true in part, because we are human and we fall short, but our God is more.  More than our lack of words or abilities to be articulate.  He sees the heart behind the ask or need.  And He already has the answer in place, the plan working out.  

Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Matthew 6:8 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Daniel 10:12 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Our Father knows our needs, the needs of those we love and care about and the needs of every person on earth.  When we come before Him it's not the eloquence of our words we offer, but the beauty of a humble heart.  When our hearts are set to seek God, to acknowledge our powerlessness and need, these are the prayers that get answers.  

Jesus even warned of those who make a big show of praying in Matthew 6:5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.   They are looking for the praise of men.  Whether we pray in the secret place or in a group together it's our heart that God sees and answers.  

Lord, so often my words feel so small, but I am thankful that You are an infinite God.  Even one small word can move Your hand and be the blessing.  I don't know how it all works.  We pray, You answer.  You plan, we pray....Around and around it goes.  But the truth is You ask us to come to You in prayer and we do that in obedience and in need.  You never said be fancy.  You said come in humility and fervancy.  Lord, give us hearts for prayer.  Thank You that You are more than enough.  In our Savior's Name.  Amen 

I will be away next week.  Heading off to see family.  Please pray for safe and smooth travels and a trip that exalts Jesus!  

New Song Alert

Not completely a new song.  But a new addition to an old favorite.  I heard this song today for the first time and oh boy the new verse is so beautiful and a poignant to walking through the world today.

Wars, rumors of wars.  Sickness, sadness....and yet our God!  He holds the hearts of kings, directs the paths of human history and keeps us in His sight and arms daily.  Enjoy this song and remember the One who created us, redeemed us and loves us eternally.