A Broken Heart

“If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.”

― Oswald Chambers

O, Lord, let me trust you enough to thank you for a broken heart. May your purposes come to pass.

The Bread of Life

Thank you, Lord, for providing spiritual food and for providing the living water that never runs dry. Fill me to overflowing, so others can see you, living in and nourishing me.

Troubled Times

We live in troubled, broken times. I allow fear to wrap itself around me, stealing my hope and contentment. Worry takes away my trust in the Almighty Creator God. Hatred reigns supreme, shoving love into the deep recesses of my heart. My God-given peace seems shattered, scattered to every corner of my soul.

But then…I open the Book. I allow His words to wash over me. I bask in praise music. I take long walks outdoors. I reach out a helping hand. I offer up a prayer.

And then the miracle happens. The shards of peace knit themselves back together. They grow and bloom deep in my soul. Soon, the others return: hope, contentment, trust, and love flourish and blossom alongside the peace God has provided. Once again, they bloom, even in these troubled time. What steps are you taking to allow peace to flourish in your soul, even in troubled times?

Trusting God

• “But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”

— Francis Chan

Now this quote is worthy of contemplation, don’t you think?

Hope and Encouragement

Forgive my impatience, Lord. Sometimes I want this world to be heaven-like right now. But I know that you have a plan. Remind me to learn from you during the difficult times and to trust in Your faithfulness. I’m so grateful You keep Your promises. Thank you, Lord.

A Woodland Sanctuary

As I walked the nature trails, I wandered off the beaten path.  Large toadstools nestled under a grove of blue spruce trees attracted my attention.

Pushing aside branches, I walked fifteen feet, entering a small clearing.  The ground, carpeted with years of accumulated needles, felt soft beneath my feet.  A chorus of crickets broke the silence.  In the distance a woodpecker drilled, searching for insects.  Inside my clearing, all was shadow, quiet and still; it became a sanctuary that soothed my soul. A smattering of bright red sumac leaves provided stained-glass windows.  I sat on the carpet of spruce needles, gazing at the beauty all around me, and I felt the presence of God.  Strains of “This Is Holy Ground” ran through my head. 

Looking through an opening between the horizontal branches, I observed the golden radiance of the late afternoon sun. Outside my sanctuary, the seed heads of the natural prairie grasses glowed transparently in the sun’s light, creating a stunning contrast to the shadowy grove.  I had to capture the breath-taking scene on film.  When I put the camera to my eye, I focused on the branches in the foreground.  They seemed large and dark, like horizontal prison bars, and the golden glow of the grasses in the background was barely noticeable. I refocused the camera. Then the tall, dried grass, shot through with light, became the focus of my picture; the branches in the foreground almost disappeared.

As I took my picture, I thought:  how often do I focus on the branches in front of me that impede my spiritual way, and thus fail to see God’s light just beyond?  How often do I become discouraged over minor problems instead of focusing my thoughts on the brilliance of God’s majesty or the comforting glow of his love? It’s all a matter of focus.

Remembering the lesson of the camera’s focus enables me to thank God in all situations and focus on His spiritual light shining beyond my earthly troubles.

Father let my eyes see beyond the earthly; let me steadfastly watch your spiritual light.  May I always focus on the wonders you have created, on the wonder of you.

Hebrews 12:2-3 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

More Like Jesus

Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.

Amy Carmichael

Amen to this! Make me more like Jesus.

Be a Peacemaker

Help me, Lord, to see beyond personal differences and petty disputes. Let me see others as you do. Show me ways not to bring strife or anxiety, but instead to share your peace.