This three-paragraph “collage of praise” is truly the view from my place as of this morning…
I’m sorry it is this way, Lord, that my desire for You is so deep that everything else pales in comparison. It’s not that I don’t like or enjoy other things, but they are not the things that my soul desires. Like every human being I have my cravings for earthly things. After all, I am an earthling! But every time the craving is satisfied, it points me to the deeper things that I believe are available in You and to the hunger that only You can fill, and I wind up knocking on Your door again. That’s just how it is. I am not discontent. I am not frustrated. I don’t feel the need to force any spiritual effect. I am content to receive whatever You provide for the nourishment of my soul, my daily bread, as You put it. The blessing of the matter is You are worth every ounce of energy I spend seeking You and You waste none of it.
Thank You for the privilege and the freedom to surrender to Your care today. It is a low-energy day for me. I suspect it is a side-effect of the covid-19 booster shot LaVern and I got yesterday. But I am thankful to remember that I can give You my present condition, whatever it may be, and trust in Your ability to work with it both in me and through me to accomplish Your purposes today. I belong to You, whether You use me in big ways or small ways or not at all. What a blessing that my relationship with You does not require a timecard or for me to always “be on point.”
Thank You for choosing to be mindful of me today. It’s not like I’m just a part of the noise of earth that rises up to heaven, over which You have no control, like having a noisy neighbor. You can mute or filter out whatever You choose not to hear. You can purge all that You choose not to remember. The fact that I have Your ear, that I am in Your thoughts and that Your face is towards me is intentional on Your part and no small blessing. Indeed, “the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).
So, I consecrate this time for thanksgiving to You, Lord. Please bless my gift so that it is a true blessing to You.
Yesssss and Amen. He is my “hiding place.” I can run to him and he never fails to satisfy my soul with his daily bread. He is my aim for approval. When I often fall short, he loves me unconditionally. I love the relationship I have with God. He is so good I can’t seem to get enough of him and his love, joy, and peace. I cannot live without.
Thank you for your transparency and your love for his sheep. You are a good s
hepherd!