revealing HIS role

Tonight as I tried to make sense of some of the pain in my heart, I prayed for ability to understand a concept I was recently advised of. "God is your Perfect Husband." I didn't quite get it...I mean I didn't quite understand how that was supposed to feel true. How could God be a husband to me? Isn't God "above" being a husband? Shouldn't a husband be like God? I told God I was sorry I didn't understand and asked to know what He meant by this statement.

As I calmed down, I reached for a book of verses for women. When I began to open the book looking for another passage I read recently that I found comforting and wise, my thumb "tripped" and I turned to a page with the following verse...no lie! Here is what I read and immediately praised Him for revealing His explanation to me.

"'The God who made you is like your husband. His name is the Lord All-Powerful. The Holy One of Israel is the one who saves you. He is called the God of all the earth. You were like a woman whose husband left her, and you were very sad. You were like a wife who married young and then her husband left her. But the Lord called you to be his,' says your God." - Isaiah 54:5-6

The book went on to explain that "when you feel a longing to be needed and wanted, remember, God called you to be his...God is willing to fill any and all empty niches in your life." Even if a woman has a good husband, it is impossible for him to fill all her needs. "It is also true that some husbands are absent" and in these circumstances, God can step in and be the strength, provider, protection, and friend. I can turn to God for the things I need in my husband, when he refuses or is unable to offer them. "God promises to always be with you and to be actively involved in your life."

Thanks to God for directing me to further understanding of yet another role he can fulfill in my life.

In my heart you have remained

As I grow closer to God through my trials, I have started to feel as if some songs, even love songs, are as if God Himself is singing them to me. In some songs I find double meaning, carrying messages I need to hear, and want to share. Today is a precious day, and in my heart the memories remain and the hope still flickers and the love still stands. Maybe this will reach the right hands, but if not, then find in this some incentive to hold tighter to those you love and assure them you're in this life together.

To my special someone, on this special day...

"Life can show no mercy
It can tear your soul apart
It can make you feel like you've gone crazy
But you're not
Things have seem to changed
There's one thing that's still the same
In my heart you have remained
And we can fly fly fly away
'Cause you are not alone
And I am there with you
And we'll get lost together
Till the light comes pouring through
'Cause when you feel like you're done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you're not lost
When the world's crashing down
And you can not bear the cross
I said, baby, you're not lost."

May God bless you and keep you. May you find peace among ruins and hope to rebuild and try again. I love you.
xoxo

Love thy neighbor?

I just had to share a thought that stuck with me from church yesterday. The pastor said his life was changed by a small quote of C.S. Lewis that was to the effect of the holiest person you'll ever see is your neighbor. He said after reading that thought, that idea, that a person as plain or ordinary as your neighbor could be the holiest person you'll meet, he started looking at all people in a different light. He found more patience, more mercy, and more flexibility with people in general.

The idea he shared was that not only did God give the sacrifice of His precious Lamb, Christ, to me, but he gave it to my neighbors too. God didn't send Christ only for me. He obviously sees something of value and importance in each of my neighbors, friends, family, and strangers alike. Wow! What a concept to see a teeny-tiny glimpse into God's perspective on all of us. We are in a sense all holy...whether or not we choose to reflect it. Meanwhile, I hope and try to serve God in a way that will give my neighbors no doubt that I am worthy of such a label. :)

How can this perspective change your attitude and approach with others?

Armor of Faith

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." 1 Thessalonians 5:8

I love the visualizations God is giving me through this, yet another of my trials. I can protect myself with His love and His promises. I am at battle against forces that will try to destroy my faith. I am standing firm for what is right, for what God wills for my life. I wear my armor with grace and am ready for whatever may come. God's strength is in me and I pray it continues to grow stronger and sturdier. While my flesh is weak, my soul will not be hurt. I have joy because of Him, a blessing I count regularly.

Bleeding Heart

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

I have been reading a daily devotional blog, which a friend turned me on to. Last Friday it posted this verse and it is the simple reminder I needed again today. I believe in Him. I trust Him. I have faith in Him. I know that God needs me to grow through this trial I endure. I look forward to His blessings, though they may not find me here on earth...but maybe they will.