Proverbs 5:21 (NIV) For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were convinced God wasn’t there? Maybe, you think, He didn’t hear your cries or that he just doesn’t care? I know I’ve sure been in that place. But what I’ve found is this, the closer I get to Christ and understand his character, the more I realize he has, is, and will always be by my side no matter the circumstance in which I find myself. Here are the truths I know:
- God is near and continually watches over my path (Proverbs 5:21).
- He cares so much about me that all my days have been ordered and numbered by him (Psalm 139:16).
- Furthermore, he knows the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:30) and he has and will continue to wipe every tear from my eyes (Rev. 7:17, 21:4).
- He love us even when we are unlovable, knee deep in sin (Romans 5:8)
I was made VERY aware of these truths a few yeas back when I had been praying and seeking God’s face for answers but He had remained quiet. He chose to speak to me during a powerful praise and worship session. I can remember the exact song He chose to open my eyes and ears so that I could receive that day’s special message. The song we sang was When it’s all been said and done by Don Moen. Here are the words to the first verse that got me truly thinking that morning:
After hearing this verse, I began the process of thinking back through my life. Had I really done my best to live for Jesus? Had I pointed people to him through the life I was living?
It was while singing “I Surrender All” that God revealed my entire life, from the moment I received Jesus’ invitation to “come” and “follow” him at 11 years-old until that very Saturday morning. This imagery was AWESOME! It was as if I were sitting in a box seat and my entire life laid out before me like a parade on the road below. At the beginning of the path I saw my shaking body step out of the pew and into the isle at my family’s Baptist church. Jesus stood beside me leading the way down to the alter to talk with the Pastor.
As I continued down the path, I came to a fork on the left. This fork led to a glimpse of my teen and early adult years. During this time, friends and other things were a huge distraction and pulled me away from the path Jesus had me on and into things I never dreamed I’d ever do. Jesus, clearly “last” on my list during this time of my life, was still there beside me. He hadn’t left me even though I chose to go in a different direction. At the end of the fork, I saw myself battered and bruised by the “junk” of this world. Jesus still there beside me…even though I couldn’t feel him. He held me and told me he loved me no matter how far I had stepped away from his perfect plan.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Hands held high, I lost myself in the music and sang praises to and worshiped the Lord.
Holy Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
The last song began to play, just as God revealed my life’s journey once more. Jesus and I were back on the path and I could hear his voice “your entire life has led you to this place Sheri. Use what I have given you to reach others for me.” The worship song we were signing at the time of this revelation was Arise by Don Moen.
One thing we ask of you
One thing that we desire
That as we worship you
Lord come and change our lives
Arise, Arise, Arise, Arise
Jesus did change my life that morning. I saw His sovereignty throughout my life and how it has led me to that very day. The excitement and sheer joy overwhelmed me that morning and compelled me to start writing for Him again. I had fallen away from what He had asked me to to…lead people to Him through my writing. Since that day, I’ve been writing and sharing devotions through my blog. Who knows where He will lead next. I know I can’t wait to see what awaits.
My prayer for you this morning is that you will find time to get lost in praise and worship. Ask Jesus to show you who He is during your time with Him then truly worship him! Worship Him for who He is in your life right now.
Do you even know who He is in your life at this particular time?
- Is He your Savior?
- Is He Lord (Yahweh) of your life? Meaning have you given Him full control to change things in your life?
- Is He your Prince of Peace during whatever circumstance you have going on in your life right now.
- Is He your provider (Jehovah Jireh)?
- Is He your counselor?
- Is He your loving Father?
- Is He your Rock?
- Is He your hiding place?
Father, reveal yourself to us a very real and powerful way today. May our lives be laid our before you, and may each day bring you honor and glory. Amen.
When I was younger my dad asked me all the time “hate is such a strong word babe, do you really hate or do you just dislike?” It took a while before I understood that hating someone was just like murdering them. I know I don’t want to be considered a murderer in God’s eyes… do you? We must love… because Christ loved us. But (of course there’s a but…) according to John, words are not enough. We must back up our words with action and true caring (v 18).
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