Anchored

Making sense of my world I often draw in my journal. These are a series of entrys over the past few weeks. The top is today’s. It is a series of hearts. Yes, this may be avoidance behavior as I need to work on dissertation revisions. Life is lifey right now. While calm resides in me, loved ones are struggling. How to love, share, listen, resides deep within. My core is Jesus. Each day I begin simple with cleanse my heart, enable me to stand upright in your presence, guide my footsteps, my thoughts, actions. Enable me to honor You in all I say and do.

Gratitudes, my list today is 9,081. Today’s include:

9073

Thank you for the rising sun.

9074

Thank you for the ability to walk with Gus and Cam.

9075

Thank you for being able to maintain my weight.

9076

Thank you for Life, I woke up this morning.

9077

Thank you for endurance. I was able to do thirty minute Yoga online class.

9078

Thank you for the hope of eternal life.

9079

Thank you for loving me.

9080

Thank you for forgiving my sins.You, my savior, are enough.

9081

Thank you for bringing to my rememberance all that I have.

Why are these simple gratitudes important? We are instructed over and over in God’s word to give thanks. One of my favorite quotes is: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thess 5:18. It is not always easy, yet essential to maintain a life of peace in the storm called life. In Max Lucado’s book, Anxious for Nothing, he states that worry refuses to share the heart with gratitude. One heartfelt thank you will suck the oxygen out of worry’s world. Ps. 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.” Phil 4:8  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” My anchor is Jesus, His words fill me, cleanse me. To His cross I cling, closer than ever. Today’s devotion, prayer.

Favorite verse of mine, Phil 4:6-7 (ESV), the inspiration for Max Lucado’s book. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer, a conversation with God, essential everyday, like oxygen, I cannot exist without it. Last week Saturday when I drew this heart, I had a specific prayer. It was simply, I really need to have a human conversation with a Godly friend. No sooner did I whisper this than a friend texted and invited me to stop over for coffee and a walk. This week to numerous to count, God has answered my prayers. some may call it coincidence. I believe He answers prayer. I believe God listens, answers, directs our path when we talk to Him, ask in His name, claim His promises, specifically, intentionally with faith believing ask. He is not a genie in a bottle, yet He is the dearest friend we could ever ask for. He walks with us, gives us strength through the highs and lows of each day, moment. So many times I whisper this prayer.

Ps. 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Never, ever am I let down. His will be done. I do not have to understand, He does. His peace fills me. Thanks God.

Never ever will I lie, life just plain sucks sometimes. When my loved ones hurt so do I. The anguish rips me open, old wounds surface. I cry out to Him in anguish, He restores my soul. All I whisper is “Jesus”. He intercedes. I cannot pray, His words fill me, calm me. Your will be done. I believe in You. I will not give up.

May you find strength in your storm. While I do not have the answers, He does. He is one breath, one prayer away. I invite You to let Him in. Whisper His name, anchor Your heart to His, cling to His words, write them on the inside of Your heart. When the waters get rough, He calms the storm. Be blessed, be well.

Love to all!