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Know God and be Strong

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But the people who know their God shall be strong,
And carry out great exploits.  Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)

There are seasons we pass through that appear like a land of utter gloom.   A time of darkness and deep shadows, but lessons are learned in the confusion and uncertainty.  We feel like we are holding on by a straining string, waiting for our last thread of composure and patience to tear . We may slip and fall, our words and actions hurting our loved ones.  In desperation, we turn towards God and confess our sins.  We try to make sense of our condition, but find no explanation. Perhaps God just wants to see our faithfulness in the conflict. Though we stumble in the struggle, we get back up and persevere.  And that is what God is asking – that we keep moving forward with our eyes fixed on Him!

I will go away and return to My place
Until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face;
In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.  Hosea 5:15 (NASB)

I have learned on many crooked roundabouts that “God is FOR us!” He doesn’t abandon His own!  And we can lean into Him  and trust that He fights our battles.  He is able to move mountains, tear down walls, restrain waters, and fill our empty hands.   God provides more than just enough! His light breaks through the darkness with a kaleidoscope of color…all the rough edges and broken pieces creating beauty…revealing mysteries of heavenly work. He redeems our messes!  So we dangle over our  despair, knowing that He will come to our rescue.  His faithfulness is everlasting!

Though we are imperfect…weak, fearful, doubtful, angry, and reactive…God’s perfection meets us in the middle and covers where we are lacking. Walk with confidence today that He is with us in the daily grind. Rest in His presence and cling to Him. For as we study and know God, we will be made strong and overcome!

~Lily Mae

 

Broken Cisterns

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cisterns

 For my people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me,
The fountain of living waters,
To hew for themselves cisterns,
Broken cisterns that can hold no water. 
Jeremiah 2:13(NASB)

The morning song laments
Cisterns wasted
Painted pretty
Bubble wrapped
And packaged tight
Still broken
Boxed in
Pasted together
Begging to be filled
Searching for answers
Behind the dark
Hiding sorrow
Spot on another day
Leaking
Empty and useless
Functioning just the same
Cold marble- frozen fifty something


She sways to yellow ripples
Heading down stream
Doubtful
Afraid to cross the bridge
Miles between
The valley and Honeysuckle Road
Corner cliffs and rocky ridges
And what was left

 

Misty musings follow
Secret smiles tug
Mourning moves
To peaceful ponderings
Rest on green and faithfulness
Dew of the Sea
Rosemary released
Sweetest Fragrance
Slipping through fingers
Falling with lessons learned
From swinging bridge
Where bold and beauty collide
Broken cisterns and sacrifice
Raindrop tears
An endless lullaby
Remembrance and understanding
Ready to lead

~Lily Mae

Sheltering Trees

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There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.  ~ Isaiah 4:6 (NASB)

Our God is a safe haven, a shelter from our storms. We run to Him and find rest for our soul.  As long as we have breath, we  will call out to Him! Like a canopy for prayer, He bends down and hears our cries for help.  And we go from strength to strength as we pass through our Valley of Baca,  our time of weeping. Our imperfections and sin don’t keep us from Him, and He throws our mulberry messes into the sea.  He says to come as we are and  invites us to sit under His shade and rest.  And we will find peace for our soul.

“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28 (NASB)

God’s branches are beautiful; the different sizes , strengths, and imperfections are necessary.  Each valued and significant as they intertwine and provide cover.  Likewise, as we come together with our hearts and hands, we are encouraged, strengthened, and have purpose.  We provide support on our difficult days and those we simply need a break.   

Storms, drought, and  productive growing seasons all affect the grain of the wood.  It is the same for us as the happy and painful circumstances in our lives shape who we become.  The daily grind, the weekend wanderings, and celebrations…our losses, trials, and defeats…they contribute to our raw beauty.  Even the dead and decayed, what appears useless in our lives, is fuel for fire and warmth.  Nothing is wasted in God’s craftsmanship…He sees the finished product!

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.  For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.   ~Jeremiah 17:7,8 (NASB)


May your roots grow deep in God’s truth.  And may you be a sheltering tree for others…a canopy of prayer…refuge…rest…transparency…and beauty!

Blessings,

Lily Mae