He whispers sweet peace to me

September 4, 2015

Welcome to my world.  Sigh.  As the picture illustrates, sometimes we just don't know what to say.  We think our idea or opinion or statement is going one way and then voila`!  It's gone.  Lost or paused.  We know it was going somewhere but...

It's times like these that I am so thankful for the Word of God.  Romans 8:26 states:  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

As I was praying a moment ago, seeking direction on what to write this morning, after murmuring the words, "Lord.  Lord, I...Lord?" I kind of floundered.  I knew that yesterday's blog was painful:  painful for me to write and painful for you to read.  So today I wanted to do something uplifting and more encouraging, something that would point you more to God's grace and goodness and I just flopped.  My prayers failed me.  Wonder why?

Sigh.  I don't know.  Maybe because some things just cannot be expressed with words but just being alone with God for a few moments, just reveling in His arms as He holds me and soothes me is enough.  Feeling His love, His understanding, and the knowledge that I don't have to talk, don't have to explain, and I don't have to ask Him for anything because He already knows my thoughts, my desires, my hopes, my hurts.  He probably--in all honesty--is tired of hearing me whine so this silence, this seeking for the right words might just be what He has been seeking in me so that He might get the chance to speak, to soothe, to secure.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for these times of silence.  Their sounds are refreshing.  The thoughts are stilled as I just rest.  Hold me now, Father, as I lie here.  Whisper sweet peace to me.  Ease my cares, my frustrations.  Shush me and then?  Then Lord, speak to me.  I will be better able to hear You once I just relax.  I don't have to bear the weight of the world.  That's Your job and You do it so much better than I can.

Nudge me into more reflection, Lord, and shush me again.  The thoughts are starting to bombard and I need more time to just lean on You.  Peace, Lord.  May it be mine--as well as those who are reading this right now.  May we drift into Your arms for a little while is my prayer.  Amen.

And I will lift my hands

Ahh, what a nice weekend I had. Steve and I stole away to Gatlinburg for a couple of days and...rested. Ate. Saw a movie. Rested. Ate some more. Met up with some family who were also on a quick getaway. Played in the pool. Soaked in the hot tub. Ate some more. Got some firewood and lingered by the river which was next to the hotel, built a fire, and...rested. We were still. We were at peace. We were in harmony with one another.

You know what is so great about all of this? This is what we can have with our God when we just take the time to be still with Him. We can't always jump in our cars and go hundred of miles away from the cares of our ordinary lives but we can jump in His arms and rest. Relax. Let Him soak our cares away. We can.

Yesterday, on the way home, we stopped at some overlooks on the Parkway. It was so beautiful and my heart was full. I had Steve take this photo of me, lifting my arms in praise to my wonderful God Who allowed me this time of refreshment. The sun was shining brightly down upon me and with the beauty surrounding me, I felt as though I could fly away to heaven, should He call me to do so. He didn't and I am still here, still in my recliner, back at my temporary home, praising the Lord. I have breath and I don't take that for granted the way I used to. I have hope, which once seemed like a far off, unreachable prize. I have assurance that one day my soul will be totally at peace and the One I long for most will be by my side.

Thank You, Lord. Thank You for the mini-vacation, the reminders of the need for stillness, and the love from my husband. I have more than I deserve and it's because of You, God. Thank You for my family that I get to see regularly. Thank You for my church and the ones who make me feel so special. Thank You for Steve's job that provides for us. But mostly? Thanks for loving me. I lift my hands even now in worship of You, Father. I breathe Your name in a happy sigh. I claim Your love and shall continue to bask in it for the remainder of my days.

I love You, Lord! Amen.