Monday Manna for July 19 -- He is Near

This is my first time joining in on Monday Manna. The purpose of Monday Manna is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. Please visit Joanne Sher's blog at An Open Book to read more on Monday Manna entries. This week's verse is Psalm 34:18.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 NKJV

Last Halloween my friend’s husband left her and their two sons to move in with his girlfriend. She was devastated and angry. As I watched her through the next several months, I saw a wonderful strength in my friend that she had not had before. She was learning to depend on God in a new way: her faith was becoming more real and more personal.

About six months later I entered a personal crisis in my own life. Nothing I had ever experienced prepared me for the level of pain brought about by that crisis. I now know why they use the expression of ripping out one’s heart.

Like my friend, I learned to lean on the only One with all of the answers. Yes, there are a few good friends who have walked me through the worst of the pain, but ultimately, it was God’s wisdom in these woman that brought comfort.

My prayers have changed from a list of praises and requests to pouring my heart out to God. All of my confusion, hurt, and anger in the situation, I discuss with Him and lay at His feet. He is the source of my strength, my comfort, my perseverance to endure. He has become my Lifeline.

I still turn to my core group of friends, perhaps more than I should. But ultimately, even their input pales to the peace that envelopes me when I lean on my Savior.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:6-7 (NIV)

When I first started reading Christian fiction, I found one author whose stories I enjoyed that seemed to have a reoccurring theme that "worry is a sin." If I recall, in several of her books one character or another would remind or inform the main character of this concept in those exact words. This concept was new to me at the time. Although I've never considered myself to be a worry-wart, I still had worries and considered it natural.

Learning to turn everything over to God is a challenge that I don't always succeed at accomplishing. I worry about my kids and their future. I worry about my husband making it home from a business trip safely. Yet as I worry, I sense God's gentle reminder to turn it over to Him. When I obey this nudge, I am filled with His Peace about the situation. I can feel His guard of protection on my heart and my mind.

God Speaks...

I promised this morning to post a rundown of what God has shown me so far this month in my quiet time. I admit there are a few days missing.

On Sunday, January 4, I woke-up stranded in an ice storm in Ackley, IA with my Bible and suitcase in Waverly, IA. My devotion time was prayer and Christian radio during the 3 hour drive back to Minnesota. One song in particular touched my heart on the drive home. Although I have heard the song many times and most likely sang along, I really HEARD the words of the chorus that afternoon. I believe it was the Ray Boltz version of the song "Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell. I could not find Ray Boltz on YouTube but I did find the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh65wLVbaww&feature=related The words to the chorus are as follows:

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
When you cant trace His hand, trust His heart.

I don't always know what God's plans are in a given situation, but I know that He loves me and will help me through whatever trial comes my way.

Monday, January 5, the verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 28:12 which the English Standard Version quotes as "This is rest; give rest to the weary; this is repose." This same concept came up later in the week as I talked to a young man leaving our company to return to Bible College in Florida. We were discussing generosity and the theology that we will be rewarded for giving. When we give rest, money, love, or any other number of things to other people, we receive blessings from God. Sometimes they are the same thing that we give away -- rest or love -- but not always. If I anonymously give a single mom money to buy Christmas gifts for her kids, I do not expect God to drop money into my bank account as a result. My reward may be as simple as seeing that friend's excitement as she shops for her kids or wraps what she bought for them.

On Tuesday, January 6, God told me that the Splendor He has given me has made my beauty perfect. (Ezekiel 16:14) I do not always feel beautiful, but in God's eyes, I am and it is in His eyes that my worth is determined. On the other hand, I must take heed with the next verse and not trust in my beauty. My trust must remain in God alone.

Wednesday, January 7, I was reminded that God expects us to keep the devotion of our youth. When we first come to know Christ we are like young brides, so in love with Him. In Jeremiah 2:2 He says "I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown." How easy it is to loose that love during the course of a marriage or our walk with God. We need to be intentional about keeping that level of devotion in both our earthly and heavenly relationships.

Thursday, January 8, I read Hebrews 13:6 where it quotes Psalm 118:6,7 "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, What can man do to me?" I need to hide this verse in my heart to overcome the fears and worries in my life.

Friday through Sunday I did not spend the time I should have with God. Sure, I included Him in my day as always, but I did not intentionally set aside time for Him like I should.

I think I will leave today's lesson for a separate post and try to do a better job of journaling online what God shares with me during my time with Him.