There is a line in the lyrics of the classic hymn, In the Garden, that I didn’t really like when I first heard them:
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
The first line was great because it meant I was having quiet, alone time with the Lord, learning of Him and listening to His voice. It was the second line that bothered me.
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17
I was working on a very important document recently, and I stepped away for a few minutes. When I returned to my desk, I was horrified to find my computer was restarting. I had not saved the important document.
This is very unlike me as I constantly save my work. I had to start all over again. I was suddenly hit by the idea of how significant this empty, white space was before me.
I love listening to praise and worship music. Almost every morning, I wake up with a song on my mind. Recently, I woke up to a song I haven’t heard or thought of in years. Part of the lyrics include, “You are awesome in this place, mighty God.”
It brought back a sweet memory of the first time I heard it while driving to work. God used the lyrics of this song to remind me of His love, His power, and His presence during the hardest part of my previous marriage.
I had the absolute joy of visiting my son and his family in Hawaii when my granddaughter was only three days old. Along with the beauty of the island was the beauty of seeing my family I had not seen in over two years.
During my visit, I saw a window decal, similar to the one pictured, on my daughter-in-love’s car window. I asked her what the letters and symbol meant. She had to point out what should have been obvious to me – He is greater than I.
My reaction was one of amazement and a little shame because there it was, a powerful truth, plain as day and I didn’t even see it. I knew right then I had to have one of these decals, so my family later took me to the local beach shop where they were sold.
I used to be so afraid of thunderstorms, not as a child, but as an adult! This fear lasted until I started serving the Lord.
One night, I was awakened by loud thunder and bright flashes of lightning. Instead of doing what I always did, hide under the blankets in fear, I walked to the living room and opened the curtains.
The rain poured down and the black sky lit up with each flash of lightning. The thunder boomed loudly, but instead of fear gripping my heart, the loud sound penetrated my soul with God’s assurance that He would be with me through the storm.
It was a betrayal like none I had ever experienced. I was pregnant and alone. All I did was cry and all I wanted to do was lash out in anger to the one who betrayed me.
The anger and heartache consumed me for weeks. During an emotionally difficult day, I came up with a plan to expose the betrayal to everyone. But something I read in the Bible changed my way of thinking:
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 (ESV)
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. II Peter 3:18
My children experienced growing pains quite often when they were little. It wasn’t unusual for me to hear a pleading cry for help in the middle of the night for me to hurry and come soothe their pain.
I’d massage the hurting area, say a prayer, and offer words of comfort and love until they were no longer hurting. Sometimes, the pain took longer to subside, other times the pain left immediately.