Yesterday afternoon was a gorgeous October afternoon here in Florida...low humidity, high in the very low 80's with a nice breeze...sunny skies...it just doesn't get much better than that, and so I spent some time sitting outside in the Secret Memorial Garden alongside Still Waters Pond...just being still and knowing that God was there with me...and that He was being exalted in the beauty of His creation all around...
No matter what the news may say or just how bad things are getting in the economy or in all of the horrific situations around the world...God's Word is still so true and appropriate:
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalms 46:10
When I feel myself starting to panic over circumstances for which I have no control...it is important for me to find a place to just steal away and get recentered in my position in Christ...to know that He is God, and no matter what this world tries to do to steal my joy...I will put my faith in Him and keep my eyes focused on Christ, the "author and finisher of my faith"...
"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2
This morning we had an early ride into "town" for my husband to have some lab work done. Again, God's majesty and beauty was on display in the unfolding of the sunrise breaking through the clouds...
It was amazing all the way we traveled...
People who drive through life with blinders on miss so much of the glory of God's heavens on display for us every day.
Remember the hymn:
"Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
2 Open my ears that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear,
and while the wave notes fall on my ear,
ev’rything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
3 Open my mouth and let me bear
gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me,
Spirit divine!"
I hope you enjoyed this little meditation time away from the noise of the world for a while. Whenever you find yourself getting stressed by the things swirling around you in your life...look for the places where God is sending His peace and comfort to you. They are out there...maybe closer than you think.
I had other things in mind for writing about today, but this is what came out...so apparently that's what I was supposed to share with you. Someone out there needed this...I know I did. I can hear the news on the TV in the background while I write, and if I listen too closely I could find myself running and screaming to please "stop the world, I want to get off!" But when I turn my eyes to Jesus, peace reigns and rules in my heart and mind once again. I can get up and move forward without fear. God is being exalted in the nations...and He is exalted in all the earth. I need not fear. Amen.
Pam, I needed this. Thank you for every word of it. Thank you for the reminder, "I need not fear. Amen."
ReplyDeleteWell, apparently you were on His mind when He shared these thoughts with me. Don't you just love how God works to get His message through to us? Praise God!! (((hugs))) and love to you my friend.
DeleteHow comforting were your words and photos here, Pamela. These are such stressful times in which we live, and if it weren't for knowing that God is still the one in control, I think I would lose my mind and my hope. Such glorious photos of that sunrise!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Martha. I am so thankful for the peace that passes all understanding, that can only come through knowing God is in control. Yes, we are blessed to know Him and to exalt Him in all the earth! Amen.
DeleteWhat a lovely post. Amen.
ReplyDeleteBlessings. xx
Thank you, Sparky. All Glory to God! Great Things He Has Done!!! Amen.. Blessings to you and yours as well.
DeleteThanks for sharing these thoughts. Yes, God is in control and we need not fear.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. We have much to be thankful for, even in the midst of a world in chaos...God is in control, and we need not fear. Amen.
DeleteYes, Pam, I needed to hear these healing and hopeful words, for one! I appreciate the desert, but seeing those photos of "back East" is such a balm to me and such a reminder of "God's green earth." That little cardinal is such a gift to behold! And all the WATER! Reminding me of Who it is that is the Living Water...
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, our Living Water...so that we need not ever thirst again! Jesus Christ, our fountain of hope. Yes, even in the midst of the desert, we can have our own little oasis with Jesus by our side, providing that Living Water and the Bread of Heaven. We are blessed to be His children. Amen.
DeleteWell said, Pam. Truly it what so many need to read. I know that my soul has been longing for the quiet so I can hear Him for quite some time. One of the best things I have done in 2021 is turn the news off. I do listen but I limit the time. I lived over half my life with a little local news in the morning before school and then 30 minutes of evening news and we were informed but not going nuts. God has us in His hands. My job is to lead people too Jesus and pour into my family. I look for those opportunities as well to sit outside and still my soul. Love that hymn.
ReplyDeletethank you, Sandy. Yes, we do limit our news time too. I just have to get away from it and breathe in the fresh clean air and spend time alone with the Lord. But then, yes, we need lead others to Christ and also to the peace that only comes from abiding in Him and He in us. What a difference that makes in our lives. Thank you for understanding and knowing this. God bless you dear friend.
DeleteAn excellent post, Pam. Those of us who believe, don't have to fear. Prayers lifted! xo
ReplyDeleteAmen, Terri! Very well said..."those of us who believe, don't have to fear!" Very simply and aptly put. Thank you. Simple child like faith is all we need. Amen and have a good night. xoxoxo
DeleteVisiting you from a mutual blogging friend... Very nice post. :) This is so true, and in the last year, I found myself having to move away from negativity and into God's realm more, myself. I don't have tv, so, no news here. But I was diagnosed with cancer, and that alone will make you feel pretty negative at times. I don't know what I would do without our Almighty God to help me through it. Thank you for a great post. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting here with me, Ang! I am so very happy to meet you and look forward to getting better acquainted in the future. I am checking out your blog as well. I am very sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis, and I am praying for you now. I pray that God is holding you in His loving arms, and that He is sending His healing rays out to strengthen and heal you completely. I know He is able, and I know that He cares greatly for you. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will be visiting your blog so I can learn more. Again, thank you for visiting. It is always a joy to make new friends here.
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