The Small Delicate Hand

There it was again.  How does it come upon her so quickly and without an apparent sign of its coming? Her mind seems free from concern and worries.  She cannot even visualize one solitary event leading to its appearance.  Still she can feel the weight of its presence as though she has summoned the darkness to appear. 

This thing called burden, depression or anxiety comes quickly like a thief in the night, robbing her of her peace of mind.  Not only does it steal her peace of mind but it also seems to want a piece of her soul, her very being.  It hovers over her like a cloud about to rupture at the seams. Perhaps this time it will simply swallow her whole.  At times, she wishes it would do just that.  At least then it might be over and she could simply rest.

Wait, this time she notices something quite strange.  Had she never noticed it before?  The clouds though many are pitch black, some are fluffy and white.  Looking closer, yes there it is a small delicate hand reaches high out of the cloud.  Her very being sighs with relief but why?  Somewhere in her mind (her spirit) she is acquainted with this sigh of relief. 

The clouds are drifting now.  There is a ray of light, a ray of hope.  She now realizes that small hand was lifted in praise. Then she sees His hand reaching down to grasp the small delicate uplifted hand.   She simply whispers “next time I will lift my hand sooner.”

 Psalms 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

lj04292013

The Wing

Longing to be able to share a visible image of my heart this morning, I find myself wishing for the talent of drawing.  That however is not a talent God chose to give me so I will use both my words and goggle to tell my story today.

She was old and that she was well aware of.  Still this morning she felt like a child as she approached His throne.  She wondered why her Father would ask her to play a role in His kingdom.  What was He thinking?  How would she ever touch the lives He was asking her to touch?  A sense of fear, a sense of failure lured around her heart, still she wished so to please Him.

As she pondered the depth of her relationship with Him, He draws this beautiful picture in her mind.  She sees a beautiful wing and under it and yet standing tall in a sense was a baby chick.  It was as if the chick at times had a mind of its own.  However this magnificent wing would hold her in the safety of its spread.  It would allow her to be her own self but never to wonder out of its reach or protection.

She, perhaps for the first time in her life, realizes that her Father will always offer the safety of His wing.  Never will He push her so hard from the nest that she cannot return to find safety and comfort under His wing. He will never ask her to do any task that requires her to leave His safety, comfort or protection.  He has her covered…

 

Like this picture, the mom hen will guard her babies until they are well able to venue out on their own.  There is a place in God’s word where He says “how many times I have desired to gather your children as a hen that gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!”  Not only does He desire to gather us but the Psalmist said “With his feathers he will cover you, under his wings you will find safety. His truth is your shield and armor.”   Unlike the hen, God’s wing will always cover you if you will allow Him to be there for you!

Scripture references: Matthew 23:37  and Psalm 91:4

Lj4252013

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Who'll Stop the Rain?

While taking clothes from the dryer, these words drifted through my mind. "Still I wonder you will stop the rain." Other thoughts quickly filled my mind, those kind of words where you wonder where did these come from.  No, it wasn't raining and chances of me knowing the first words were those of a song are quiet slim. That would not have been my choice of music growing up. But the thoughts that quickly followed without a doubt are always in my spirit.

" Still I wonder who will stop the rain? Lord, I know the answer to these words. You will both start and stop the rain. The gentle rains that waters the earth are yours. The loud thunderous rains that pour upon the earth are yours. The rain (sorrow, trials, doubts, fears, confusion) that floods our souls is not of you but only you can stop this rain. If we believe in you, we know this to be true. Still our souls cry out 'I wonder who will stop the rain?' "

Are you one crying out or simply wondering who will stop the rain? Are your days so full of those thunderous downpours that you think you will surely drown? Do not fear, look up and call out "Lord, only you can stop this rain."


Creedence Clearwater Revival Who'll Stop The Rain Lyrics

"Long as I remember the rain been comin' down
Clouds of mystery pourin' confusion on the ground.
Good men through the ages tryin' to find the sun.
And I wonder still I wonder who'll stop the rain."

The words of Jesus
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh." Luke 21:28
lj04102013