I have always known that the LORD keeps a close eye on me and watches over me. But, until recently, I had no idea really just how much I am watched over. I have been watched over since the moment I was conceived (Jeremiah 1:5). But, I have realized with greater understanding just how much the LORD keeps close watch over me. Psalms 121:1-8 really says it all. The LORD is my keeper and HE will preserve my soul. Certainly, I do understand that the precepts (laws) of the LORD are perfect for revitalizing my soul (Psalms 119:88). These precepts/laws/statutes/commandments are designed to keep a close watch over my soul that I would remember to keep my eyes focused on the LORD. I am reminded and encouraged that no matter what deeds and acts that have been done to me, I am preserved. My soul is well, and I must remember that I am to continue to keep the words of the LORD in my heart and in my mouth that I should not lose my way or to listen to defeat. Jeremiah 1:11-12 says that the LORD was ready and is ready today to watch how I perform the WORD in my life. Do I understand what "perform" means? How do I take the WORD and use it? Praise and Worship, prayer and sharing the WORD with anyone who will listen. The LORD watches over my life to make sure that I am continuing after HIM. Do I model what a Christian is to be? It does not matter what I have done or what has been done to me. I know that the laws of the LORD are written down in my heart and on my lips. How am I living my life? Do I understand what I am supposed to do with my life? That is why HE is watching over me to make sure that I am performing the WORD as it has been instructed to me. This is so simple yet so complicated and complex. To walk as a Christian is not easy. To choose to accept HIS love is not easy. It is an awesome thing when I understand the grace given me to learn to accept the laws of the LORD--it is by grace that I am saved and it is by grace that I am able to walk and to live.
Watching on. Encouraging on!
I have noticed that when I am told that I must trust in the LORD with all of my heart, I think hard and long about that. I can trust the LORD to talk to me; I can trust the LORD to give me guidance; I can trust in the LORD to comfort me; I can trust in the LORD for spiritual direction; and I can trust in the LORD for so many more things. Can I stretch my faith more for my finances? Can I trust in the LORD for my healing? This is an area of great proving. I know that John 14:14 say that I can ask Jesus anything in HIS name and HE will grant it. Anything! 2Tim 3:16-17 says that all Scripture is given by inspiration by GOD for us that we might need it at any time for any reason. So, that means I am told what to do and to believe that it is going to be given to me. I am told that I have a right to receive because I am righteous. I am told that I can ask and receive according to GOD's GOOD WILL and it is not a lie. Then, if that is indeed the case, I can believe and trust in what the WORD has been instructed me to do. I can ask. I can believe and I can be confident that which was promised me will happen. I must continue to press forward and seek the LORD. I have a responsibility with the gift that HE has given me and that is righteousness. I believe that the effects of chemo are not going to be permanent. I can believe that what was meant for me to be destruction will not overtake me and I will prevail. No matter what may come my way, I can ask at any time and know that I am safe with my LORD. I can trust that my LORD loves me and cares for me.
Trusting on. Encouraging on!
What an awesome thing it is to have the LORD remind me of what needs to be done. "The laws of the LORD are perfect for reviving the soul". Despite the long and difficult days that I have been experiencing, I know that the LORD is always with me. I am to constantly keep the words of the LORD upon my lips, in my heart and in my mind. Psalms 118 has been brought back to my memory today because my soul is vexed. I must remember to bring my praises to HIM because HE cares for me. But, more importantly, HIS presence will preserve my soul. Verse 1: Give thanks to the LORD for HE is good; HIS love endures forever! What shall I be afraid of? Although I have anxious days and difficulties, I am reminded what has been done for me. I am told that I should come into HIS presence. I have been told before that I must confess the WORD--All that is within me bless HIS HOLY NAME! When I have nothing to offer in praise and worship is when I need to offer myself even more. This is the medicine to my soul--this medicine will revive my soul.
Verse 5: In my anguish I cried out to the LORD; and HE answered by setting me free.
Verse 6: The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man (chemo) do to me?
Verse 17: I will not die but live; and proclaim what the LORD has done.
Verse 28: YOU are my GOD, and I will give YOU thanks; YOU are my GOD, and I will exalt YOU.
This medicine has revived my soul and I will choose to say that the laws of the LORD are perfect for reviving my soul.
Reviving on. Encouraging on!
I cannot help but to ask the LORD many questions. I have been experiencing a place in the LORD where I can ask questions and pose my thoughts earnestly and honestly. Hebrews 4:16 tells me that I can come to approach the LORD in HIS holy place and to seek to have fellowship with HIM. I have many questions. I have quandaries and queries that prompt me to push forward. Why is it that I feel? Why is it that I hurt? Why is it that I just do not understand? That is not difficult to know--I am learning and I am growing to understand that it is ok to have my questions. But, it is equally important to know that when I ask questions, to understand that HE is and HE will answer those questions when I am ready to understand the answers. Each day is learning. Ecclesiastes 3 tells me that there is a season in my life that I will be able to experience my feelings and emotions. Psalms 46:10 tells me that when I am out of order, I will not hear GOD but to be still and to know that GOD is! I am learning that GOD is in control and that the answers to all things will come in the season that I am ready to listen. But even more so, it is important to always ask my FATHER for help and wait upon HIM to answer. One of the most important principles that I am to understand is that HE is always there beside me and that when I ask, HE is sure and faithful to answer. It is in the perfect time and season, and it is in HIS good will and pleasure to answer all of our quandaries and queries. Much like we answer our own children in their questions, all the more so for us. What is even all that much more exciting is that HE awaits us!
Asking on. Encouraging on!
Fear not, for the LORD thy GOD is with you (Is 41:10). This is always with me. No matter what may befall me, I am reminded that my HEAVENLY FATHER is with me. This is always true regardless the trials in the day that may come, I am encouraged that in the presence of the LORD, there is no need to fear. When I feel caged in or when I cannot explain the rockiness of my thoughts, I am reminded that I should not be afraid. When feelings come in like a flood, fear is not too far away from that. When I am approaching my next chemo, I experience apprehension and fear. I am reminded that I should not fear. When I feel that I am not successful about giving my fear to the LORD, I am reminded that HE is with me and no matter what, there is no fear in the presence of the LORD. No matter what may come our way, we should never allow our feelings to rule. There are many difficult days ahead and many unpleasant things to hear; however, I am told that fear should not prevent me from living the life that the LORD wants me to live. Despite the anticipation of a flashback or a bad nightmare, fear is only as bad as the amount of energy I put into it. I know that my GOD is with me. I am told so. I know that all will be well. HE told me. I have to believe it. "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31).Fearing not. Encouraging on!
