Ruth L. is helping me out today from way out in Idaho! You'll soon see that it doesn't matter where we are location wise, spiritually, or emotionally. God is with us. Here's what Ruth experienced, and what she shared with a friend and then passed along to me to share with you:
"One day when I was in a deep hole emotionally, I was in another town and went to the Christian book store there. I was hoping to find a book that would help me. I didn't find anything applicable to my situation, but I looked up, and there on the wall was a painting. In this painting was a raging storm, but a lighthouse shed a beam across the waves; underneath was the inscription: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." I remembered that verse from Isaiah 43 then, which had been my theme verse when I was baptized years ago. At the time I couldn't afford to buy the picture, and the next time I went over, that store was closed- but that picture has stuck in my mind. I went home, looked up the entire passage, and wrote in my journal:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name - you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you, for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3
He claims me as His own; He calls me personally by my name. He proved His personal interest by redeeming me. Therefore He reassures me not to fear the circumstances - of life, death, loss, uncertainty. My God is a personal God; He knows the depths of what I am going through. When the rivers of sorrow threaten to overwhelm me as I pass through dark and chilling waves, He will not allow them to overcome me. He is with me! I am never alone.Whatever fiery trials come, He will preserve me and insulate me by His tender care. He reminds me that He is Lord. He is Holy. He is my Savior.
Today I am praying that you will hear His voice whispering your name and feel His presence with you." - Ruth L.
And I pray the same for you too. I had such a difficult time "feeling" anything of God when I was grieving, but I knew that my feelings did not define the truth: God was with me whether I felt His presence or not. Personalize the Scripture like Ruth just did, because that will help the numb feelings begin to thaw out from the shock of grief.
♥ ferree
"One day when I was in a deep hole emotionally, I was in another town and went to the Christian book store there. I was hoping to find a book that would help me. I didn't find anything applicable to my situation, but I looked up, and there on the wall was a painting. In this painting was a raging storm, but a lighthouse shed a beam across the waves; underneath was the inscription: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." I remembered that verse from Isaiah 43 then, which had been my theme verse when I was baptized years ago. At the time I couldn't afford to buy the picture, and the next time I went over, that store was closed- but that picture has stuck in my mind. I went home, looked up the entire passage, and wrote in my journal:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name - you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you, for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3
He claims me as His own; He calls me personally by my name. He proved His personal interest by redeeming me. Therefore He reassures me not to fear the circumstances - of life, death, loss, uncertainty. My God is a personal God; He knows the depths of what I am going through. When the rivers of sorrow threaten to overwhelm me as I pass through dark and chilling waves, He will not allow them to overcome me. He is with me! I am never alone.Whatever fiery trials come, He will preserve me and insulate me by His tender care. He reminds me that He is Lord. He is Holy. He is my Savior.
Today I am praying that you will hear His voice whispering your name and feel His presence with you." - Ruth L.
And I pray the same for you too. I had such a difficult time "feeling" anything of God when I was grieving, but I knew that my feelings did not define the truth: God was with me whether I felt His presence or not. Personalize the Scripture like Ruth just did, because that will help the numb feelings begin to thaw out from the shock of grief.
♥ ferree
This was wonderful!! Thank you Ruth.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
AMEN!!!!!
ReplyDelete