Lord, my life moves at such an incredibly fast pace with not much room to sit, to stop, sometimes to sleep, or to reflect. This is very overwhelming to me and sometimes down right frustrating! BUT I thank You, Father, for granting me the grace-filled time to ponder ever so often. These times are such a gift because they cause my heart to rejoice in Your goodness and work in my life! There are a few things on my heart tonight that I want to acknowledge as works from Your hand alone. Measurable growths in my life and in my walk with You! Thank You, Jesus, for not giving up on me and my weak faith! Thank You for Your constant faithfulness and desire to produce good in such a wretched soul apart from You.
I am so thankful, Father, for the increase in my desire to sit, read, and study truth! You are helping me rise early (way early) and spend amazing time with You in Your Word. By Your grace I am digging deep into Your Truth and seeing so much of You. Some mornings I just can't stop reading and other days I can't quit thinking about what I read that morning! Your Word is alive and active! Thank You for showing me more of You and the beauty of Your face!! The blogs and books that You have brought my way have been a huge part of my sanctification. I find that IF I have a few minutes of down time in my day I want to pull up another article or read another chapter to just set my heart on things above! You have shown me how much that setting is a fight and has to be a conscience effort to not focus on myself (usually a pity party) and focus only on You, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Reading is not a natural love that I've always had, which is why I recognize it as Your work! I am going through solid books quickly and I talk about what I'm reading to whomever will listen. Therefore, You are filling my speech with more of You and less of me! Again, not a natural doing. Father, please continue to grow my desire to sit and spend time with You. Help me to fill my time with truth that stirs my affections for You, Jesus.
Another specific way that You are changing me, Lord, is to lessen my desire to go to food to solve my emotional needs! This may seem trivial but You have helped me recognize how I long for food in a way that only You are to satisfy my soul. I have been praying for You to make me aware of the times I'm craving temporary treats when I should be yearning for the everlasting filling of my soul with Living Water!! I want You to be my refuge and the restorer of my heart when I'm lonely, sad, frustrated, or sleepy. Thank You, Father, for helping me control my mouth and literally pray before I eat. This is an area that You are giving me such freedom in, but I know with that freedom comes great temptations. May I continue to look to You for everything You are for my spiritual, emotional, and physical needs!! May I boast in my weakness and completely depend on You for my life and breath.
So after complete frustration when our dryer ruined several articles of clothing last week, You granted me the gift of pondering. THINGS don't really matter! You are helping me hold loosely to what You've blessed me with and hold fast to the cross!! After my plans had to be changed multiple times because of a sick child, You reminded me of all I have in Jesus and that doesn't promise a task list completed or bump-free road. Father, You are helping me slow down and not get in an uproar when my schedule is interrupted. You are sovereign and You know best!! What a gift to recognize Your hand at work even in the yuck! It is all good from a good God with a good plan!
Thank You for helping me ponder, Lord!!!
2 Corinthians 10:17 "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 11:30 "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."
Colossians 3:1-2 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
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