I was reading things in the news before I went to bed last night, and I went to bed with a lot of troubling thoughts on my mind regarding our current "world situation", and I tossed and turned all night long. I prayed and asked the Lord to give me peace and help me sleep, but I kept waking up and those thoughts kept coming back to me...and I was praying that God will give me and my family and loved ones the courage to stand strong and not give in to the pressures of the enemy. It was not a restful or peaceful night. I apologize for even sharing this with you now because I certainly don't want to cause anxiety or alarm. But these are difficult times and we do have grave concerns about the future of our country.
But I woke up this morning and began to read our devotions, and the Psalm that we read was Psalm 9:8-13, but in particular verses 9-10 jumped out at me from the page, and I had to just stop and read it again out loud:
"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."
And then it was so pleasant to look outside and see the Great Blue Heron out there in Still Waters Pond, fishing for his breakfast and finding refuge in a peaceful little cove, oblivious to the bright sun and noises of the traffic on the other side of those trees. He was focused on one thing, and didn't seem to worry about the "what ifs" of life...he just went about doing his daily routine, seeking nourishment in the place where God had placed him.
Reading the news before going to bed -- yes, that troubles my sleep, too. I have had to discipline myself to not do that anymore. While we need to be informed, I'm learning there are other times of the day when I can deal with that kind of adversity other than just prior to going to sleep. You have verified that I'm not alone in that!
ReplyDeleteYes, I should know better. Sometimes I get caught up in things on Facebook and then I realize that I've been tricked into reading and thinking about things I'd rather not, especially before bedtime. I try to walk away from my computer earlier in the evening, but sometimes I forget myself! Hope you had a nice day today on your little ride. Maybe you will show us some pictures soon? Tomorrow is Sunday, and I look forward to that more than anything all week long. Praise The Lord for Sundays!!
DeleteThat first photo is magnificent! The state of our world is very concerning and goes way beyond left and right. What you said, "Release. Trust. Believe.", is really all we can do in the grand scheme of things. After months of binge watching news day and night I am finally just catching up on news in the morning or early afternoon and then staying away from it the rest of the day, especially in the evening before bed. It is just too disturbing. I'm glad you were able to find some peace today.
ReplyDeletethank you. Yes, I will NOT do that again! I know better...but sometimes you just get sucked into these things on Facebook...and I do better when I stay away from it. Hope you are having a pleasant and peaceful weekend.
DeleteI stop reading FB and listening to any news long before bedtime. Gives me major heartburn!! I always enjoy your scriptures and photos, Pam. The best way to go before bed!! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri. Last night I walked away from all the "drama" before I went to bed, and I had a very peaceful night's sleep. I have awakened this morning much more refreshed and ready for a beautiful day in the Lord's house! Praise God!
DeleteWhat lovely, encouraging thoughts. Thank you for sharing them with us. These are troubling times we are living in and I've found myself doing deep studies on faith and perserverance the last few months. It occurs to me that God knew exactly what was coming and what I would need when he gave me "abide" for my word of the year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacy. Yes, I agree, God did know exactly what was coming, and He has been preparing us...and continues to teach us daily how we should live in these turbulent times. I love your word "Abide". Mine for 2020 is "joyful"...and I am finding that at times I have to really seek God's face in order to be joyful...but when we "abide" in Christ, that joy comes from within when we least expect it. Good thoughts to start a new day...and I slept MUCH better last night, Praise God!
DeleteDuring this time and every time, I am so thankful that I have a loving God who has all this in His hand.He protects and provides at all times.
ReplyDeleteHe, HE does, and I am so thankful as well. Where would we be without our omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Loving God?! Thank you. Amen.
DeleteTHANK YOU. The fact that He loves us and that He will never change is so comforting. I love this, and I'm so grateful that you shared it.
ReplyDeleteJan
Laughter and Consistency
Sometimes we just need that reminder. I know I do. Thank you for stopping by for a visit.
DeleteI love the saying on the mug, Pamela! Yes, let us take one day at a time, trusting that the Lord will make it a masterpiece. Despite the world's troubles and anxieties, we know all is well with our souls when we remember that God is present with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
He is creating masterpieces in our lives, but they take time and we are anxious to see the final picture. We always want to know how the book will end before we read all the way through...it's just our human nature...but God is in control, and He is creating the masterpieces in our lives. So thankful.
DeleteThese really ARE troubling times. I don't know how those with NO faith in anything get through times like these. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOH, I so agree with you Diana! How DO they do it? Certainly not with much hope or joy. We know how the story ends and that keeps us going. God is in control, and He will keep us safe in the storm. Praise God.
DeletePam: Each of us is concerned about the events of our world. We have to learn to monitor our watching of those news programs. I am pointing three fingers back at myself here. We have to look to God for His help and His deliverance through these times. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am learning to walk away from the troubling stuff and put it in God's hands. I can't solve the world's problems, and when I try I just make myself miserable. So, we all need to learn to just relax and let God pilot our ships and we will get safely into the harbor. Peace and blessing to you too.
DeleteLovely sunset. Not good to read news at night. Best to keep thoughts good, pure, pleasant at that time.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are so right. I am learning to just walk away and focus on the things I can do something about instead of thinking I can fix the world. That's God's job and He really doesn't need my help. When He does, He'll let me know. Meanwhile, I need to stay focused on the things I can do, and rest from the worries of the world. Thinking of you and hoping you are feeling better. Praying you will regain your strength day by day. So glad you are home.
DeletePam, thank you for sharing your heart here--there's much to cause anxiety in the world today. I'm thankful that God's remedy is the best remedy. Meditating on His Word is truly healing.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!