This morning as I sat down to pray, I envisioned Jesus at my favorite spot. He was along the shoreline at the cabin and lake my parents used to have in Parsons, Tennessee. He's always there and this time He smiled at me and said He had been waiting for me. Most of the time, we don't talk. I hang out with Him while he skips rocks and sometimes He stands, while sort of grasping a tree branch, just enjoying the nature. He is always completely relaxed without a seeming care in the world, despite the world resting on Him. I am conscious of the fact that His rested and peaceful countenance is intentional. He's always trying to teach me something, even without words. Sometimes, we sit on the bench together that is also on the shoreline. The air is cool but the sun is warm and soothing. It's early November. I'm aware that He invites me into His peace and other times into His playfulness. I'm totally comfortable grasping His hand and sometimes resting my thumb over the nail scar. Every single time, it moves me to quiet tears. These times with Jesus are my most favorite. It is when everything falls into perspective.
We do not have to arrive somewhere to enjoy the Lord. We don't have to be a theologian. We don't have to have a healthy past. And, even if our present circumstances are dark, we definitely can still enjoy the Lord. We can move everything to the side and seek His face. It may take some practice and intentionality, but I promise you that the Lord enjoys us and you can enjoy Him, too. Just because we may have chaos, grief, heartache, or just big time things going on, does not mean we are by any means a mess. We simply are not those things. It may be a part of our life that feels big, but remember, it is only a part, not the whole. Consider yourself a delicious Fall pumpkin pie! Bear with me! Our troubles are only a slice or two. Jesus, the Truth Maker, knows that our problems are momentary and that we are so much more! The enemy on the other hand, would like to have us parked in that place of despair, confusion, and pain. It is all he wants us to see. No way out. Nothing will ever change. Your life is crashing down. There is no hope. Does that sound familiar? Haven't we all been there? Today, let's make a conscious decision not to park there. If we move ahead with God's grace, we will see better scenery. Jesus is the Way Maker!
If there is one thing you make a priority today, let it be taking some moments to really enjoy Jesus. Imagine spending time with Him in one of your favorite places. Just you and Him. Bask in His marvelous countenance. Watch and feel as the tension eases. Share a moment. He is waiting for you and He loves to spend time with you!
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
I needed to hear this today. I am in a difficult place, and I feel like I am drowning with no life preserver in sight. If this were about me, how easy it would be, but when it is a fight I am having for my son, I feel as if I am failing him. I know I have to put it in God's hands, and I have faith all will work out, but while I am in the thick of it, with all fighting against what my son needs, I feel lost and alone. How can I give it up to God, hear where he is leading me, while still doing what I need to help my boy? It is a fine line that I do not fully understand and it stinks!
ReplyDeleteI don't know who I'm responding to and that's okay. First off, thank you for sharing. I feel your pain. I'll be praying for you that you won't feel so alone and like you're "drowning without a life preserver." What a good description and one so many of us have felt. What helps me sometimes, is just focusing on what I have in front of me right now. Do what needs to be done now. Do the next right thing. A day at a tine. Get time in alone with God whenever you can, pour your heart to Him and don't leave anything out. Give Him your feelings and all your concerns. HE can handle it. And when you're done, take a few minutes to thank Him for your son, speak life over him, claim God's promises over him and tell the Lord you trust HIM with your son. And, lastly give thanks for what you have and for the good things in your life, no matter how small. The truth is, God is working no matter what you see. The truth is that you are SO precious to God. The truth is that God can do what we could never, ever imagine! I appreciate your honesty. I like keeping it real. Life is hard, no doubt, but God is a tender lover and protector of you. Hang in there. I'll be praying for you and your son!
ReplyDelete