Thursday, September 20, 2012

Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Through the Watches of the Night

This has been a tough few days, not only for me, but for many of my friends and family. Tuesday's post was all about finding God's peace. I featured a powerful music video by Kristyn Getty titled Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer. I have listened to this over and over. The video  begins with a poem penned by Kristyn. I am compelled to share with you the words of this poem and to feature her remarkable song once more. I pray it will give you strength for the journey.

The Watches of the Night
by Kristyn Getty

I look towards the wintering trees
To hush my fretful soul,
As they rise to face the icy sky
And hold fast beneath the snow.
Their rings grow wide, their roots go deep
That they might hold their height,
And stand like valiant soldiers
Through the watches of the night

No human shoulder ever bears
The weight of all the world,
But hearts can sink beneath the ache
Of trouble's sudden surge.
Yet far beyond full knowing
There's a strong unsleeping Light,
That reaches round to hold me 
Through the watches of the night.

I have cried upon the steps that seem 
Too steep for me to climb,
And I've prayed against a burden
I did not want to be mine.
But, here I am and this is where
You're calling me to fight,
And You I will remember
Through the watches of the night.
You I will remember 
Through the watches of the night.

The Apostle Paul gave an exhortation to the Church at Corinth: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:24).

As the children of the Lord wandered through the wilderness, they came upon an insurmountable obstacle - the Red Sea. Their enemies, the Egyptians, were closing in. A sure death was imminent.   Moses said to them, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today...The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Exodus 14:13,14).

As you watch and pray through the nights of your journey, as you work hard to mend the broken places in your heart and those of your loved ones, remember this, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be shaken" (Psalm 55:22).




And just because you are precious to me and to the Lord, I want to strengthen you with one more:



Let's pray...

Father God, We rest in You alone. You are our God, our Redeemer, our Deliverer and our Friend. We love You Lord. Help us find You in the night watches. Awaken our hearts to sense Your Presence. Use us for Your Glory - a light to the world. Quiet our restless spirits as we focus on You and rest in Your peace. Thank You Lord.
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7 comments :

  1. This was so encouraging to me this morning. Beautiful poem and songs. This has been a very hard week for me, but like always, there is light at the end of the darkness. This post gave me a glimpse of that light. Thank you for sharing. I love you.

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    1. I cannot even express how these young woman - Kristyn Getty - has ministered to me this week through her music and her heart. She reminds me of our Lord's love and strength and faithfulness. I am so thankful she blessed you as well. Love you!

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  2. Nan, once again you knew just what I needed to hear. Both posts this week have made me cry. I'm so glad we have His peace to grasp and cling to! What would we do without it? Love you my precious friend!

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    1. Jamie, we are all learning some very profound lessons about His peace and hope, aren't we? It is truly beyond description. So happy this week's posts have ministered to you. Love you!

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  3. Nan, such powerful words of inspiration and hope! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thank you for stopping by Glenda. Isn't Kristyn Getty wonderful? I love her sweet, vulnerable spirit. Bless you!

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  5. It's been a few hard days for me, too. Thank you for drawing me back to my center--His peace.

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