Do you every hear a song that just makes you become undone? Clean by Natalie Grant is that song for me. When I begin to waver and see myself as less than how God sees me this is a great go to song. The lyrics in this song remind me that I may see myself as a mess, I may see myself as unworthy but that is not how God sees us. He sees us as beautiful, whole, completely worthy, acceptable, chosen, clean!!!
Take a moment to listen to this beautiful moving song. You may need a few tissues on hand while you listen and just allow God's love and truth of who you are wash over you!
I love the part that says "I'm coming alive with joy and destiny, cause You're restoring me piece by piece." I know the process can be unpleasant but there is growth and maturity in the process. Stop focusing on the why and what and just focus on Him. Learn to draw close to Him and as you grow in your relationship with our loving Lord, He will begin to reveal His heart for you. He will reveal His plans and purposes for you. May we all learn how to just be. After all we are human "beings" and not human doers!!!
Do you ever have a-ha moments? I had one this morning and it was so simple but so profound. Recently I have felt God directing me to become more faithful to writing this blog but I continually doubt my ability to make this happen. Despite the positive feedback some of you have given me I doubt I have what it takes to be a good writer, to adequately convey all the God is doing in me and through me.
Well this morning God got all in the middle of me worrying about my ability and He reminded me to just trust Him. He took me to 2 Peter where He tells us that He has given us everything we need and then He took me to Moses. Moses was given the great opportunity to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and introduce them to the presence of God, and they did not want it! In fact after continually trying to introduce the millions of people he lead out of Egypt to the wonderful and glorious presence of God he was really only able to affect 2 people that we are aware of; Joshua and Caleb.
In today's standards that is not much of a success but think about how Moses affected these two men. They were the only two of the original Israelite's that crossed over into the promised land and they did so with the presence of God going with them. Joshua was chosen to lead them into this wonderful promise and I know he must have been a little overwhelmed by the responsibility because God had to remind him at least 7 times to not be afraid (I know I counted them one time).
Whatever God is leading you to do, stop trying to lean on your own ability and talents and just trust Him. He has given you all things that you need to accomplish what He desires you to do. Don't focus on the how or what just focus on Him. Allow Jesus to lead and guide you, allow Him to direct every step you take down the path that He leads you down and then know God is with you every step of the way. Maybe you will reach millions, maybe you will only reach 2. No matter the number be faithful to do all that God has laid on your heart and enjoy every moment you spend with Him and getting to know Him more and more.
For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 AMP
As always, when God speaks to me He provides me a song that drives home the truth that He is showing me. God speaks each of our love languages amazingly well, maybe because He knows us so well. Take time to allow Him to speak to you in your love language. Be blessed today and draw close to God.
I love the group Housefires! Their new cd is so amazing, loaded with songs that just make you draw closer to our wonderful God. One of the songs on their new cd (yes I still refer to new music as a cd - I could really date myself and call it a record, ha!) is called Pastures. The song, based on Psalm 23:2, talks about how God provides us a place of peace in Him. When we dwell in Him we have found our home, our very being. Isaiah declares that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and elsewhere in the Bible it says that Jesus gives us peace that passes all understanding.
Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.
Someone I know once made the observation that quiet waters are in the valley and not on top of the mountain. If that is the case then when we are in our low places, when we are going through a trial or storm then we can also find our place of peace in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
If you are like me we love to find all of the promises in God's word and stand on those amazing promises. Do you know that John 16:33 promises us that in this world we will experience trials and tribulations? Do you also know that Jesus said in this verse to take heart because He has overcome the world?
I know any trial or storm is never easy and I know our flesh can rise up and want to have its way but instead of grumbling, instead of complaining, instead of giving worry a voice begin to thank God instead. Ask Jesus who He wants to be for you in this situation. He will always provide an answer.
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous (be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy); I have overcome the world. (My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.) John 16:33 AMP.
As you listen to this song take a minute to close your eyes. Allow the lyrics to speak to you. Allow Jesus to fill you with His perfect peace, then ask Jesus, Father God, and Holy Spirit to give you a picture of the you together with all three of them. Many times he will lead you to a pasture like setting but whatever He shows you it will be a special place for you and Him together.
Blessings.
LYRICS Verse You give me peace that surpasses all my understanding and love that is deeper than all I know
Chorus You lay me down in the greenest of pastures I am found by the one my heart was after
