Everything was just WRONG yesterday. At times it seemed everyone was intent on badgering and making demands of me while deep inside me somewhere was a little voice whimpering in pain, exhaustion, and discouragement. Sometimes it's so hard to rely on God's strength. It's there for me; He knows I can accomplish nothing good on my own. But my flesh and my pride want to try -- so they can fail and then whine about their wounds and solicit the pity of others. The fact is, God has given me everything I need to accomplish the purposes He has set for me, but I must rely on His strength and grace to do it -- and THAT is where I constantly fail.
But today, everything is right. I've had three uplifting, challenging, inspiring messages from God's Word from men who seem to treat the Scripture with honesty, humility, and respect. I've enjoyed glimpses into the nature of God through beautiful music that honors Him. I've spent quiet, simple moments in communion and fellowship with my Savior. I even ran into Pastor, and we shared a chuckle over our mutual opinion of last night's speaker. Oh the riches available from God and His Word! They will never be exhausted, and I will never get enough!
Help me to turn all my desire toward You and You alone. Give me grace to endure the lonely times, and teach me Your purpose. Fill my heart with love for You. Teach me humility; destroy my pride and help me to die to myself that I may live wholly and completely for You. You have blessed me in SO MANY ways; give me a thankful heart. Help me to focus on Your gifts instead of what I perceive as lacks. You have promised to supply all my needs. What I do not have, I do not need -- indeed, I need to not have it. Conform the desires of my heart to Your perfect, loving will, and give me the grace to be content there.
Psalm 73:21-26
"When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Lord, would You hold my hand? I see sweet couples all around me, hands clasped in the reassurance of companionship. They walk side by side, confident in each other's support, knowing that the strength of the one is there for the weakness of the other. Lord, will You be my companion? Would You walk by my side? Would You take my feeble hand in Your own and lead me down Your path? I don't want to go anywhere without You by my side. And my hand can accomplish nothing unless it is firmly placed in Yours. Would You be my strength, my comfort, my guardian, my friend?
Lord, may I hold Your hand?
"When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Lord, would You hold my hand? I see sweet couples all around me, hands clasped in the reassurance of companionship. They walk side by side, confident in each other's support, knowing that the strength of the one is there for the weakness of the other. Lord, will You be my companion? Would You walk by my side? Would You take my feeble hand in Your own and lead me down Your path? I don't want to go anywhere without You by my side. And my hand can accomplish nothing unless it is firmly placed in Yours. Would You be my strength, my comfort, my guardian, my friend?
Lord, may I hold Your hand?
"What would you do in the world without Him in the midst of its temptations and its cares? What would you do in the morning without Him when you wake up and face another day's battle? What would you do at night when you come home tired and weary, if there was no door of fellowship between you and Christ? He will not permit us to face one day without Him, for Jesus never forsakes His own." ~Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)