You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7 My dear Sisters, What kind of week did you experience last week? I blew up a piece of salmon in the Micro, shut my finger tip in a drawer hard, I left my credit card in a photo machine and it was taken and they quickly charged almost $1000, my bird ,Zeek, experienced a freak, frightening accident getting caught in a small chain in mid flight and he panicked and screamed and flailed. It was horrible. Also, I lost my card to get in to Lifetime and when I finally got to the locker I had no socks and leaving the club I drove over a double curb! Some weeks we face daily harassment, not counting relationally! Yet, in His faithfulness I have also been blessed by my mentor and in His word and sweet Presence. As a new Christian I did not know my own heart and the evil lurking there or what I was capable of! I tried to attain a victorious life by prayer, bible study, church, consecration and commitment! When all the while the answer was simply to abide where I had already been placed: in my Lord Jesus Christ. I was to abide above 'behold' Him. Trials expose my heart revealing the old man. At first my old nature hid from me. Then I tried to hide from it. But as as I began to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, I had to face the truth concerning my heart condition and God's condemnation at the Cross. As the Holy Spirit revealed the old man I counted upon death, as He revealed the new man I began to count on life. (Col 3:9, Romans 6:11) Injustice helps us deal with our anxiety, intensity, instability, pessimism and other negative manifestations of our sinful flesh. We learn to be tranquil and strong under duress. D.R The more I have learned to abide in Christ the less disappointment I am with this life. The more I am enjoy Him in His word, not just having a quiet time to cross off my 'to do' list, but to Behold Him. The secret is to come 'from' Him, (not just from HIs word) most of us only go to Him hoping He hears us. Suffering clears my vision, giving me a choice: trust or fear. Do I fear loss or even fear my God is being careless with me? Stubbornly I refuse to humble myself. Instead, I grow weary defending myself and am not trusting He is near and in control, calling me to rest. Resting does not change my circumstances but it infuses me with endurance and courage to keep trusting and not give up or give in. All the while He hides me from the intrigues of our enemy. We may despair of our cause, but we should never despair of our God. D.R. . Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7 It was deliverance all the while this week, to be enfolded in worship music and meditate on verses about being hidden with Christ in God. Just as David cried out so do I: "You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; (from trouble harming me!) You surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 We are hidden in our Savior! Is there a safer place? Trouble will come but I will not be harmed. All that comes my way has first been given permission passing through His nail scarred hand. O that I might learn to rest, trusting Him. Abba, Your lessons are necessary. I have much to learn. Keep my heart tender and give me ears to hear only Your voice. Where else would I go with my trouble and all that hurts me and all I do not understand? You often trust me with the mystery of Your will and I struggle to understand instead of trusting and resting. Thank You for never giving up on me and never leaving me alone to struggle. How beautiful is Your holy patience. I have done nothing this week to merit Your favor or grace or mercy.... or love. (this list could continue!) Yet You lavish such upon me because You are good. You hide me in Christ because great is Your compassion! I am humbled to be loved by You, God, perfect and Holy who suffered the Cross for me. The crossbeam became my bridge back to You. With tears I cry "You are my hiding place, You preserve me, You surround me with songs of deliverance! How great You are Yaweh!" I pry in the Name of the Son You sent from Your side, to die for me. Thank You! amen. Praying for each of you by name, az |
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hidden in Christ
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