My stomach literally churned as I contemplated the things pulling me in so many different directions. How could I possibly take care of everything? How could I possibly take care of them well? Anxiety began to build. Those irritating little demons screamed, "Failure! Failure!" So I did what all of God's girls do from time to time. I sat down and bawled.
I'm not kidding. I did the ugly cry right in front of my Jesus.
And of course, He responded.
Like a steamship pushing through the fog came the thoughts, "In quietness and rest will be your strength, Nan. In quietness and rest."
"For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.'" ~ Isaiah 30:15, NKJV
The Lord is teaching me to place my hope in Him, and in Him alone. HE is the solid Rock upon which I stand. Not friends. Not family. Not bank accounts or book contracts. JESUS is the One upon which I must stand.
When I allow my thoughts to focus on my troubles or my hurts or my frustrations, I am discounting the work of the Cross. Right? Jesus suffered greatly and died on the cross so that I would not have to carry my burdens, nor would I have to walk alone.
My burdens are much too great for this little lady. That's for sure.
So how do I rest in the Lord when my world is crumbling? I cease striving. I sit quietly. And I speak the Name of Jesus. I call on Him until I can picture His lovely face and until my faith is stirred to recognize His Presence. For those moments I don't concentrate on anything but Him.
My thoughts are of Him.
My imaginations are of Him.
My heart belongs to Him.
And slowly, yet steadily, peace settles on my spirit and I can rejoice, knowing that He is my God and I am His.
********************************************************************
If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with Kim Hill as she sings, "You Alone". This song is so powerful! I believe it will be a blessing to you.
Wow! Was just reading that scripture this morning!!
ReplyDeleteWe just simply are sistahs, Sistah! God knows our hearts, and how overwhelmed we get... He understands. How comforting to know we can just go to Him and receive His strength to carry us through.
My heart breaks daily for all that is going on, for Israel, for our country. But even in this, He sends me assurance. Yesterday, He sent a tiny, tiny hummingbird to get right in my face, three times, and bring me joy! :) He knows!!
Oh Mid! You are so precious. And you are absolutely right: we ARE sistahs, Sistah! Do we think alike, or what? I love you Mid. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteNan,
ReplyDeleteSometimes the best thing we can do is just have a good cry, right! I know I've had those times lately. Thanks for sharing your heart this morning....you touched mine!
Thank you Glenda. I learned a long time ago that God created my emotions and He was not threatened by them. It is much better for me to be genuine before Him and to put on a face of self-righteousness. Plus...His comfort is so sweet after an ugly cry :D Bless you!
DeleteOk Nan, as I was reading this I litterally had to stop within the first couple of lines to just take it in. I think I know where today's devotion came from, and once again, as you did the other day, you touched my heart. As I read, the Lord spoke to my heart so strongly, "she's reminding you yet once more." My hope is in Him, not you or anyone else. Wow! I'm just about in tears as I'm trying to type this comment to you. I just love you! Thank you for speaking to my heart through the written and spoken word. Love you!
ReplyDeleteYou are very wise young lady **grin**. We are all learning this lesson right now. I think it is God's Word to His children for such a time as this. We must stand on Him and Him alone. I love you Jamie girl.
DeleteBeautiful post, as always. I'm praying for you tonight, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vonda. I appreciate that so much. You are a blessing to me...
ReplyDeleteGod is the only one that can send a healing rain. I need one right now....
ReplyDelete