There are times in our lives when our hearts are required to stretch, inhale, exhale and sometimes break with the burdens of life. I look around at marriages where a partnership exists and how each compliments their relationship. And I stand – looking to the left, the right, behind me and in front of me – and there is no one there. No one to say, don’t worry about that “I’ve got this”. But what I have learned is this – as much as I would love to have a human guy to stand with me – to do life with everyday – I have met God in ways I never have before. My God is a God of “Janet, I’ve got this”. “Janet, trust me. Trust the process of this journey.” “Watch with confidence as this plays out.” “Spend time with Me and let Me show you the flow and the rhythm and watch Me work in this.”
I remember a song from my childhood. We sang Standing On The Promises a thousand times – I’m sure of that. Looking back, I now understand how their passion for the words and why this song was so passionately sung.
The more time I spend in scripture, the more I am learning the extent of His love and promises – for both of us – for both you and me.
The ebb and flow of the waves remind me as I stand with my feet in the sand that God moves unceasingly in my life. The rhythm of His presence never leaves me. Always amazes me.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
He tells me to TRUST! When life has taught me to be very, very cautious about where I place my trust, He tells me to trust Him.
Psalm 116:1-2 NIV
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
God hears us when we cry out to Him! When we feel invisible or sense our voice is being smothered, God always hears us. He listens for our voice! That makes my heart soar with the eagles.
This next scripture might be my favorite about recovery. Real rest! Jesus invites us to walk with Him. So BEAUTIFUL!
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
He tells me to FOLLOW Him. WALK with Him! He gives the Light. He will lead me to LIFE!
Looking down on the clouds and across to the bluest of blues, God’s creation and the joy I find in it constantly remind me how near He is. I am passionate about blue skies. Few colors enhance the presence of light like it does.
Psalm 62:1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
He tells me to find rest in Him. Step away from the worries of this world and into Him where our salvation is found.
My prayer is . . . For you to find the promises the same God has made to you. Find them written in His word and begin to seek the ways He keeps them true to you. For you. Because He loves YOU. Abundantly. You are lovable.
I heard it said today that spiritual joy is something you are filled with – untouched by life circumstances. Happiness can come and go based on circumstances. I’m still pondering that. I think that is truth.
But this I know with certainty
– whether I physically stand alone the rest of my days isn’t what’s important. Where I choose to stand is. I stand in the hope, joy, Love, trust and the peace that only God provides.
Joyfully,
Janet
P.S.
I wanted to share this recent picture of the four humans God chose me to be mama to. Each of them have their spouse standing beside them and their combined seven children bring me much joy. I’m so humbled and honored to stand with them – doing real life together – everyday.
