My summer could most definitely be summarized by the word busy, or scheduled. But this one word, tired, would describe my spirit during this time. I feel ragged. Worn. I often feel like I won't be able to keep up this pace for the last half of this season. My innate desire for independence- rather than a spirit of submission- pushes me to attempt to exceed all my duties on my own, to fulfill the expectations of those around me, to be able to cross the last task off my to-do list and feel satisfied that I accomplished it all.
But I can't. If I chose to let the waves of fear crash over my soul, I crumble under the sense of being overwhelmed- because I am. I can't work over forty hours at my job, while taking two eight-week college courses, serve in various ministries, and prepare, plan, and lead a high school girls' Bible study every week. And those are only the things I've committed to this summer, not including being active in the college ministry activities, devoting time to build friendships, setting time aside to be a participant in my family's life, taking steps to go beyond my regular devotions to grow a greater understanding of my King, and being wiling to sacrifice time to invest in the live of others.
As it is, I am not doing some of the things I half-way committed to, like a weekly college Bible study, helping the coffee ministry on Saturday nights, and growing personally in areas of my life in the summer-goals-I'd-like-to-see-accomplished list I made.
I have responded poorly more times this summer than I have responded correctly to circumstances in my life. I have quite a list of regrets already, and the summer is only half-way over. I've asked myself "why?" a hundred times. I look back on the state of my heart at the end of this past spring and wonder how a heart so on fire and focused on Christ could struggle so much on even simply communicating with its Savior a few weeks later. I know that the answer is a sinful nature; that what I set my heart and thoughts on directs the path my life then follows. But I've fought with God the last two weeks. I've asked Him to show me where there may be unconfessed sin, since I haven't felt His presence, His guidance; my prayers feel like they are going unheard. I've pled the Psalms where David confidently cries out to God, repeating the promises God made of hearing his prayers. "How long, oh Lord?" I've asked. I've prayed for wisdom, for clarity, for peace, for forgiveness, for a clean heart, for a new spirit, for answers. I've prayed for the endurance to continue, for confidence in my asking, for an increase in my belief.
I guess I'll have to rely on what I can't see. I have to continue by faith. My God has never proven Himself to be unfaithful; He won't start now. I need to stop and assess my thoughts, my motives, my heart- and give them up to Christ. I need to seek my solace in my Savior, my rest in my Redeemer, my peace in the Prince of peace.
I need to give up doing everything in my own strength. It's never going to work.
Praise God it doesn't have to. He is enough.
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Saturday, April 14, 2012
My Heart
An hour ago I was going through a cacophony of emotions at such a speed that I felt everything at once; frustration, anger at self, pain, resentment, self-pity, loneliness, worthlessness, regret, desperation. Realizing once more how out of control and out of order and out of spiritual alignment my life is, I finally collapsed into tears in my darkened room. Being practical for once, I knew that simply crying wasn't going to fix things so I sought a solution- praying was too hard since I didn't exactly know what to pray and in the back of my head I already kind-of knew the answer and I didn't like it.
I reached for my iPod, earphones, and tissues and selected my Mark Schultz playlist- my go-to in difficult times. My first choice was "Father's Eyes": I played this song on repeat because the lyrics perfectly identified how I was feeling, as well as turned my heart to the solution. Unfortunately (and amazingly) I couldn't find a video with this song, so here are the lyrics:
"Tomorrow she’ll be turning 17
But somehow now the mirror has become her enemy
Feelin' like she’ll never measure up
Feelin' like she’ll never be enough
But in her Father’s Eyes,
He is taken by her beauty
And captivated by her every time
In her Father’s eyes,
He is longing just to tell her
She’s never been more lovely in her life
If only she could see herself one time
In her Father’s eyes
He’s on the edge of giving up tonight
He’s feelin' like he’s wasted the best days of his life
Afraid he’ll never be the man he thought that he could be
When he looks inside he’s so ashamed of who he sees
But in his Father’s eyes
He is a son of glory
The image of a strong and mighty king
In his Father’s eyes, there’s more left in the story
He’s fighting hard to hold back tears of pride
If only he could see himself tonight
In his Father’s eyes.
So no matter where you are
And no matter what you’ve done
You’re not alone
You’re not alone
And no matter where you’ve been
And no matter where you’re from
Come back home
Come back home
Cause in your Father’s eyes, you’re loved with such abandon
He’s running to you now arms open wide
In your Father’s eyes, you’re safe and you’re accepted
There’s nothing you can do to change His mind
If only you could see yourself one time
If only you could see yourself one time
In your Father’s eyes."
(Copied from MetroLyrics.com)
So true and touching- by this point I am a sobbing mess and listen to "He Is" (one of my favorites!).
This is the best video I could find, so just close your eyes to the cheesy pictures and let the lyrics sink into your heart.
After all of this I sat in silence for a few minutes. Then the well-known song "Just As I Am" came to my lips- a perfect reply to God's touch on my heart:
(This is verse 3 which stood out to me the most considering my emotions earlier)
"Just as I am, tho' toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fight-ings withing and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!"
God is amazing and works through wondrous ways.
His Beloved
I reached for my iPod, earphones, and tissues and selected my Mark Schultz playlist- my go-to in difficult times. My first choice was "Father's Eyes": I played this song on repeat because the lyrics perfectly identified how I was feeling, as well as turned my heart to the solution. Unfortunately (and amazingly) I couldn't find a video with this song, so here are the lyrics:
"Tomorrow she’ll be turning 17
But somehow now the mirror has become her enemy
Feelin' like she’ll never measure up
Feelin' like she’ll never be enough
But in her Father’s Eyes,
He is taken by her beauty
And captivated by her every time
In her Father’s eyes,
He is longing just to tell her
She’s never been more lovely in her life
If only she could see herself one time
In her Father’s eyes
He’s on the edge of giving up tonight
He’s feelin' like he’s wasted the best days of his life
Afraid he’ll never be the man he thought that he could be
When he looks inside he’s so ashamed of who he sees
But in his Father’s eyes
He is a son of glory
The image of a strong and mighty king
In his Father’s eyes, there’s more left in the story
He’s fighting hard to hold back tears of pride
If only he could see himself tonight
In his Father’s eyes.
So no matter where you are
And no matter what you’ve done
You’re not alone
You’re not alone
And no matter where you’ve been
And no matter where you’re from
Come back home
Come back home
Cause in your Father’s eyes, you’re loved with such abandon
He’s running to you now arms open wide
In your Father’s eyes, you’re safe and you’re accepted
There’s nothing you can do to change His mind
If only you could see yourself one time
If only you could see yourself one time
In your Father’s eyes."
(Copied from MetroLyrics.com)
So true and touching- by this point I am a sobbing mess and listen to "He Is" (one of my favorites!).
This is the best video I could find, so just close your eyes to the cheesy pictures and let the lyrics sink into your heart.
After all of this I sat in silence for a few minutes. Then the well-known song "Just As I Am" came to my lips- a perfect reply to God's touch on my heart:
(This is verse 3 which stood out to me the most considering my emotions earlier)
"Just as I am, tho' toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fight-ings withing and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!"
God is amazing and works through wondrous ways.
His Beloved
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Back to the Love Letter
His Love Letter to me; this is just a minuscule portion of the ways He mentions He loves me, but what a reminder to my wandering heart!
Isa 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Isa 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Eph 3:17 -19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all
the fulness of God.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1Jo 4:9 -10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The Maker of the universe is the Lover of my soul. He made my inmost parts, my deepest thoughts, my silent prayers, my hidden dreams. He planted within me my hopes of a future and is reading my story aloud- He has had it written down since the beginning of ages- so that I may hear it, see it, live it, page by page, word by word. Why do I so seldom acknowledge His masterpiece and try to scribble my own story idea atop of His finished work?
A lack of eternal focus and drive that He desires to grow in me; I have refused to submit, for the present takes up my attention. I am so consumed with the drudgery of the day's work that I fail to delight in the oasis of a vacation that is around the corner.
Take my heart, my dreams, my will, my focus, and mold it into what you would have it to be- one that is consumed with the story You have written, planned, designed, created for me. But, no, not just the story- the Author of it. Amen.
Isa 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Isa 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
Jer 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Eph 3:17 -19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all
the fulness of God.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
1Jo 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1Jo 4:9 -10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The Maker of the universe is the Lover of my soul. He made my inmost parts, my deepest thoughts, my silent prayers, my hidden dreams. He planted within me my hopes of a future and is reading my story aloud- He has had it written down since the beginning of ages- so that I may hear it, see it, live it, page by page, word by word. Why do I so seldom acknowledge His masterpiece and try to scribble my own story idea atop of His finished work?
A lack of eternal focus and drive that He desires to grow in me; I have refused to submit, for the present takes up my attention. I am so consumed with the drudgery of the day's work that I fail to delight in the oasis of a vacation that is around the corner.
Take my heart, my dreams, my will, my focus, and mold it into what you would have it to be- one that is consumed with the story You have written, planned, designed, created for me. But, no, not just the story- the Author of it. Amen.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Better Now...
I have no way to tell if anyone actually read my last post- but if you prayed, I am very grateful!
This morning at 6:30, once I had gotten ready for my 7:30 COMM class, I sat down at the kitchen table and spent much needed time with my Lord. I broke down the wall I seemed to have built up between us. I confessed what I knew to be true; I had gone my own way, and though I knew what was good, I did it not- therefore it became sin (James 4:17). I had turned my own way and saw that it led to disappointments, stress, anger, and sorrow.
No, I am not back to where I was. But now I am facing the right direction- downward on my knees.
Thank You, only Savior, for guiding and providing, for grace and mercy, for forgiveness and love.
This morning at 6:30, once I had gotten ready for my 7:30 COMM class, I sat down at the kitchen table and spent much needed time with my Lord. I broke down the wall I seemed to have built up between us. I confessed what I knew to be true; I had gone my own way, and though I knew what was good, I did it not- therefore it became sin (James 4:17). I had turned my own way and saw that it led to disappointments, stress, anger, and sorrow.
No, I am not back to where I was. But now I am facing the right direction- downward on my knees.
Thank You, only Savior, for guiding and providing, for grace and mercy, for forgiveness and love.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Further away...
I seem to be lost in a section of my own mind.
Time goes through crazy periods of flying by and dragging on.
My 40 hour work weeks with 12 credit hours worth of homework- combined with 3-midnight shifts- have me feeling like I am losing the "grip" I had on my life.
I don't feel as needed or at the top of my game at work like I did before this position change.
I discovered that I had been placing my identity in my job and work life and not in my Savior- ouch.
I missed the first few Bible studies (one of the best parts of last semester) because of this crazy job- yet I complain about not getting enough hours or go in on my days off.
I have not been feeling satisfied with any aspect of my life: spiritual side has taken a step back (need to read and pray more), work has gone out of control, friendships have become dusty, and family has become more strained than it should.
When will this end?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
Oh. As soon as I surrender. Hmph- that is a lot harder than it used to be. I think I have become pleased with the feeling of self accomplishment and fufillment, and have chosen to forget the ultimate satisfaction Christ alone can give. I have come to the point where my accomplishments have fallen flat and my "fufillment" has left me empty. But I still can't seem to get back to where I was, let alone move forward.
If you are reading this and you know me, I'd appreciate the prayer. I may not confess this by word of mouth, but I need help desperately. But only God can do that helping, and only I can accept it. I don't need a lecture, a how-to, or a stern command from man: I need to work this out between myself and my Savior. However, I do ask for prayer.
Thank you. And thank You Savior for not giving up on me yet or ever. I am seeking my way back to You- thank You for Your love and patience.
Time goes through crazy periods of flying by and dragging on.
My 40 hour work weeks with 12 credit hours worth of homework- combined with 3-midnight shifts- have me feeling like I am losing the "grip" I had on my life.
I don't feel as needed or at the top of my game at work like I did before this position change.
I discovered that I had been placing my identity in my job and work life and not in my Savior- ouch.
I missed the first few Bible studies (one of the best parts of last semester) because of this crazy job- yet I complain about not getting enough hours or go in on my days off.
I have not been feeling satisfied with any aspect of my life: spiritual side has taken a step back (need to read and pray more), work has gone out of control, friendships have become dusty, and family has become more strained than it should.
When will this end?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
Oh. As soon as I surrender. Hmph- that is a lot harder than it used to be. I think I have become pleased with the feeling of self accomplishment and fufillment, and have chosen to forget the ultimate satisfaction Christ alone can give. I have come to the point where my accomplishments have fallen flat and my "fufillment" has left me empty. But I still can't seem to get back to where I was, let alone move forward.
If you are reading this and you know me, I'd appreciate the prayer. I may not confess this by word of mouth, but I need help desperately. But only God can do that helping, and only I can accept it. I don't need a lecture, a how-to, or a stern command from man: I need to work this out between myself and my Savior. However, I do ask for prayer.
Thank you. And thank You Savior for not giving up on me yet or ever. I am seeking my way back to You- thank You for Your love and patience.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Random CrAzY
I have absolutely lost my favorite Christmas postcards. They are no where to be found :(
I discovered that I missed two e-math quizzes- very frustrated that I forgot and had no reminders >:(
I feel like it is only October: I don't know how much more I can get into the Christmas season than working retail, but it has not sunk in that there is only 21 days until Christmas :O
I can't wait until the new year so I can have a fresh start, a new semester, and fewer crazy hours at work. But I don't want this year to end already, I am going to miss all my teachers and few close classmates, and I have been complaining of not having enough hours at my job. I believe I am indecisive, but I cannot decide if that is the case or if it is something else.
I wish I lived in a different state, somewhere out west, with no school or work responsibility, just doing my own antique dream. But this "dream" would have to work without any problems, and I don't really want to go through yet another change, so maybe I am happier where I am.
I have not given my Savior the credit due to His name and His work on the cross. I have complained and moaned and griped and sighed and wished and coveted and sought out ways to fulfill what I think my life should be. As a result, I have forgotten that I "am bought with a price" paid by the precious blood of the Lamb, my Savior and Friend (1 Corinthians 6:20). For this I fall on my knees in humility and despisement of self. How wrong I have been this week. God, help me to go forward in the light of Your Son, following not my will but Thine, and seeking to bring honor and glory to You.
*Sigh*. Now time for a busy week of lasts. Our last girls Bible study, last week of English class, last week before finals. And prayerfully, last week of having such a self-centered view and heart. For a while, at least.
I discovered that I missed two e-math quizzes- very frustrated that I forgot and had no reminders >:(
I feel like it is only October: I don't know how much more I can get into the Christmas season than working retail, but it has not sunk in that there is only 21 days until Christmas :O
I can't wait until the new year so I can have a fresh start, a new semester, and fewer crazy hours at work. But I don't want this year to end already, I am going to miss all my teachers and few close classmates, and I have been complaining of not having enough hours at my job. I believe I am indecisive, but I cannot decide if that is the case or if it is something else.
I wish I lived in a different state, somewhere out west, with no school or work responsibility, just doing my own antique dream. But this "dream" would have to work without any problems, and I don't really want to go through yet another change, so maybe I am happier where I am.
I have not given my Savior the credit due to His name and His work on the cross. I have complained and moaned and griped and sighed and wished and coveted and sought out ways to fulfill what I think my life should be. As a result, I have forgotten that I "am bought with a price" paid by the precious blood of the Lamb, my Savior and Friend (1 Corinthians 6:20). For this I fall on my knees in humility and despisement of self. How wrong I have been this week. God, help me to go forward in the light of Your Son, following not my will but Thine, and seeking to bring honor and glory to You.
*Sigh*. Now time for a busy week of lasts. Our last girls Bible study, last week of English class, last week before finals. And prayerfully, last week of having such a self-centered view and heart. For a while, at least.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
HIS not mine
This card sits on my desk to serve as a constant reminder that life is not about me, that I can't control it, and that if I will draw near to God, He will draw night unto me. I am trying to strive towards a closer relationship with my Savior, amidst all this chaos and craziness of my life. He is my Anchor, my Rock, my Strength, the One Whom I trust, my Shelter, and my Peace.
I love this passage of Scripture- such a powerful picture of our God!
Psalms 18:1-19
1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
What a mighty, awesome, powerful, loving, protective, strong God I serve! May I seek to follow You in every action, word, and thought.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Overwhelmed= Prayer time
Lord,
I am feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. Too many papers, projects, places to be, people to remember, and not enough of a focus on You. I feel kind of lost, and out of routine. Guide me back to You. Show me ways in which I will develop a passion for You and Your Word, Your mission for my life. Help me put what I know I should do into action. Mold me into Your fashion, that I may follow after Your heart. I need You, though I have not said it. My heart feels disconnected from my thoughts. Make this feel real, or help me realize and take action against what I need to do. I will helplessly fail and fall without You, yet I still try on my own- and I know that it is not working. Grow my love for You. Something has got to change, and it has to be with me- cause You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Your wandering daughter,
AnW
I am feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. Too many papers, projects, places to be, people to remember, and not enough of a focus on You. I feel kind of lost, and out of routine. Guide me back to You. Show me ways in which I will develop a passion for You and Your Word, Your mission for my life. Help me put what I know I should do into action. Mold me into Your fashion, that I may follow after Your heart. I need You, though I have not said it. My heart feels disconnected from my thoughts. Make this feel real, or help me realize and take action against what I need to do. I will helplessly fail and fall without You, yet I still try on my own- and I know that it is not working. Grow my love for You. Something has got to change, and it has to be with me- cause You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Your wandering daughter,
AnW
Monday, August 22, 2011
1st Day of College: I survived!
I am now an official college student.
Today I survived my first day of classes. I found each of my classrooms, was early for each, and once I was there, my stress level went way down (before-hand, though, it was at a dangerously high level :P). I actually had fun in my English class (way more laid back than what I was expecting, and my teacher is pretty cool), and I feel confident so far in my Algebra class (although understanding my teacher's accent is more difficult than understanding the material itself). I enjoyed my hour of time between my classes (spent reading in the library), and time went by pretty fast.
Trying to figure out my homework was a frustrating puzzle with missing pieces. I completed my English assignments due all the way through Friday already. That was fun and simple (example: answering questions about your writing habits, down-loading Blackboard IM, and reading the first chapter in our book-which I did before class). Trying to figure out how much of my Algebra homework was due, and whether it was due Wednesday or next Monday, left me snapping at my family, throwing my cat, and kicking my desk (okay, so maybe I slightly dropped my cat a foot from the ground- but she was on my desk). I think I did eventually figure it out, but I will message my instructor later (so thankful for modern technology!).
Tomorrow I have my Principles of Management and Economics class. Praying that all will go as well as today. My first class is at 7:30 (and even that early, things can go well, right?), and I will be done around 10:15.
God has blessed me with His peace when I know that I really don't deserve it. And that is exactly what I prayed for last night during a mini- break down. And He answered my prayer. What an awesome Lord I serve! May I look for opportunities to share His story and love even tomorrow.
Today I survived my first day of classes. I found each of my classrooms, was early for each, and once I was there, my stress level went way down (before-hand, though, it was at a dangerously high level :P). I actually had fun in my English class (way more laid back than what I was expecting, and my teacher is pretty cool), and I feel confident so far in my Algebra class (although understanding my teacher's accent is more difficult than understanding the material itself). I enjoyed my hour of time between my classes (spent reading in the library), and time went by pretty fast.
Trying to figure out my homework was a frustrating puzzle with missing pieces. I completed my English assignments due all the way through Friday already. That was fun and simple (example: answering questions about your writing habits, down-loading Blackboard IM, and reading the first chapter in our book-which I did before class). Trying to figure out how much of my Algebra homework was due, and whether it was due Wednesday or next Monday, left me snapping at my family, throwing my cat, and kicking my desk (okay, so maybe I slightly dropped my cat a foot from the ground- but she was on my desk). I think I did eventually figure it out, but I will message my instructor later (so thankful for modern technology!).
Tomorrow I have my Principles of Management and Economics class. Praying that all will go as well as today. My first class is at 7:30 (and even that early, things can go well, right?), and I will be done around 10:15.
God has blessed me with His peace when I know that I really don't deserve it. And that is exactly what I prayed for last night during a mini- break down. And He answered my prayer. What an awesome Lord I serve! May I look for opportunities to share His story and love even tomorrow.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Prayer and Praise: where would I be without them?
This has been a crazy week. Next week will be crazier. I can't imagine struggling through these weeks without the connection of praise and prayer with my Savior and Lord.
I think that I am listening/singing (loudly)/humming to some praise or worship song on the radio, through my ipod, or in my head, at least twice an hour (my family would probably disagree: I do it way more often than that!). Even if I am just humming a Christian song out of habit, having godly lyrics going through my head is an encouragement. Scripture does say: "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8). Singing praise is one of the ways that my spirit can communicate with my Savior: giving Him glory for everything He is, everything He has done, and everything I know He will do. It also is one way God uses to speak to me. Lyrics can remind me of His promises, His Word, and His working in my life. Music really does affect your attitude, and listening to godly songs lifts my spirit :).
Prayer is a lifeline in my life. When I feel overwhelmed (which seems to be happening often), aggravated, nervous, or elated, I can confidently cry out to my Lord, knowing that He hears me and will answer my cry:
Proverbs 15:29 ~ "...he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
Matthew 21:22 ~ "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ~ "Pray without ceasing."
I didn't understand that last verse until the last two years. That is when I started a continuous conversation with God. I had just started at jcp, and was continually asking Him to guide me, strengthen me, help me, and show me how to be a light for Him. Now, prayer comes easily: whether I am asking Him to get me safely there and use me while I work to share others about Him as I drive to work, asking Him to show me where a particular shirt is hung in the store, even to pleading for Him to give me patience with a customer, I know that He hears me. And ya know what? He answers. All the time. Every time.
Where would I be without praise and prayer?
I think that I am listening/singing (loudly)/humming to some praise or worship song on the radio, through my ipod, or in my head, at least twice an hour (my family would probably disagree: I do it way more often than that!). Even if I am just humming a Christian song out of habit, having godly lyrics going through my head is an encouragement. Scripture does say: "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8). Singing praise is one of the ways that my spirit can communicate with my Savior: giving Him glory for everything He is, everything He has done, and everything I know He will do. It also is one way God uses to speak to me. Lyrics can remind me of His promises, His Word, and His working in my life. Music really does affect your attitude, and listening to godly songs lifts my spirit :).
Prayer is a lifeline in my life. When I feel overwhelmed (which seems to be happening often), aggravated, nervous, or elated, I can confidently cry out to my Lord, knowing that He hears me and will answer my cry:
Proverbs 15:29 ~ "...he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
Matthew 21:22 ~ "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ~ "Pray without ceasing."
I didn't understand that last verse until the last two years. That is when I started a continuous conversation with God. I had just started at jcp, and was continually asking Him to guide me, strengthen me, help me, and show me how to be a light for Him. Now, prayer comes easily: whether I am asking Him to get me safely there and use me while I work to share others about Him as I drive to work, asking Him to show me where a particular shirt is hung in the store, even to pleading for Him to give me patience with a customer, I know that He hears me. And ya know what? He answers. All the time. Every time.
Where would I be without praise and prayer?
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