In the Palm of Your Hand

In the Palm of Your Hand

Softer than a breeze

rustling the cottonwood trees

Sweeter than a first kiss,

Your almighty hands cradle my soul.

The very hands that created the stars,

 the moon, and the fiery sun,

That formed every animal—the fierce tiger,

the massive whale, the purring kitten,

That “knit me together in my mother’s womb,”

 These hands cradle my soul.

As a mother cradles her baby, you cradle me.

Your hands guide, protect, and, yes,

 like a mother with her baby,

Rock away all my doubts and fears.

Thank you for Your willingness to suffer and scar the hands that so tenderly cradle me and offer me grace.

I Can Never Repay Him

Photo credit: Emma Sturm

“Sometimes I go to God and say, “God, if Thou dost never answer another prayer while I live on this earth, I will still worship Thee as long as I live and in the ages to come for what Thou hast done already. God’s already put me so far in debt that if I were to live one million millenniums I couldn’t pay Him for what He’s done for me.” 
― A.W. Tozer

Lord, you know I sometimes feel this way, but not often enough. Each day, may I freshly remember all you have done for me.

Irony

“The irony is that while God doesn’t need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don’t really want Him most of the time.”

— Francis Chan

Ow! This quote hurts, doesn’t it? To be totally honest, there are many times I’d rather be doing something fun, creative, or inspiring–before, or instead of, time with God. Even though I know I need Him, I often choose to walk my own path and live my own life.

Lord, keep me longing to be in your presence, to spend time knowing you and worshipping you.

God’s Handiwork

When I first spent some time with this verse I was astounded. I had already recognized that I was created by God, but the rest of it seemed new. I was created TO DO GOOD WORKS? And God had already prepared for me to do these? Wow! What a concept.

Lord, make me aware of the good works that you have prepared for me to do. Make me willing to use my God-given gifts to finish these works.

My Boat Has Sprung a Leak

My Boat Has Sprung a Leak

Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung a leak!

The hole is very small, but the water trickles in.

My bucket scrapes the bottom, scoops the water it can get,

But still the water trickles in; my feet are getting wet!

Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung a leak!

The hole has gotten bigger and the water bubbles in.

I fill my bucket full and toss the water overboard.

But still the water bubbles in; my arms now grow like lead.

Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung a leak!

I’m bailing and I’m bailing, but the water gushes in.

It’s about to swamp my boat and my back is awfully sore.

Truly I don’t think that I can do this anymore.

Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung a leak!

I’m weary from the bailing, and I’m far too weak to swim.

The water churns around me and it takes away my breath.

How do I save myself from certain drowning death?

“Yes, child, I’ll help you—I know about the leak.

I‘ve listened to your prayers, and I know the plight you’re in.

Rest now from your labors; trust Me unconditionally.

You cannot save yourself; salvation comes from Me.”

Lord, thank you for your grace. You offer it freely, you save me from my sins.

Help me to freely offer grace to others.

Living Our Faith

“The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mould.”

― Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest