I’ve been thinking a lot about our condition. Our drought. The other night, a storm blew in – high winds, dark clouds, the deep roar of thunder, and SUCH a lightning show! ALL the components of a great storm……..except rain. That’s right, in our little area of our big metropolitan area, we got not ONE drop of rain! It was such a tease! I was so ready for this great storm, and nothing. ever. came……..When you’ve gone as long as we have without rain, you long for it. You need it desperately. And nothing else can satisfy. nothing.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the other components of the storm. Took so many pictures. Ran from window to window, porch to porch. Stayed glued to radar. But I missed what I had been truly longing for. the rain that I so needed to hear on my roof failed to fall.
Folks, let’s not do this in our spiritual lives! Let’s pinpoint NOW the One Thing that will satisfy our drought, and chase after Him day after day after day. Let’s soak in His Word. Let’s surround ourselves with others who love Him too. Spend time in prayer. And let’s participate in worship services that help us to feed that need as well. You know, gathering with others in corporate time of worship and study. Chasing after anything else will leave us wanting.
I’ve talked to you about this before, but my morning devotional called Jesus Calling has been one thing God has used to focus my eyes on Him each morning. I love it, and love the verses that are mentioned for each day, too. I usually in my time with Him, look those up in the Message, for a change from my regular ESV, or NIV Bible. So, here is the word that I got this morning from that very book. enjoy. and drink deeply……
“Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm – your Peace in My Presence – need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.
Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.”
John 16:33-(really 31-33) Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Psalm 105:4 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered—
O seed of Abraham, his servant,
O child of Jacob, his chosen.
John 14:25-27 – I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
peace to you, my friends…..
Nancy Mattingly's blog 