Some days, I am soul weary. The little irritations of life wear me down. I get discouraged by plans that fail. Fatigued from trying to carry my own burdens, I stumble in despair.

In the craziness of life and trying to juggle everything on my agenda, I’ve forgotten who holds the future. I’ve forgotten who has the strength to carry all of my burdens and more. And I’ve forgotten who knows my future.

For it was Christ who carried my greatest burden at the cross, surely He can carry all these little burdens on my heart today. He knows the plans He has for me and the work He is preparing me for.

As I wait and rest in His strength, I place I hope in this promise: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Linking with these friends:

Linking up with these friends:

I chose this verse at the beginning of the year, hoping that my life would slow down so I could actually sit still in God’s presence. Since life has only gotten busier, I’m learning instead to still my heart in the midst of chaos. No matter what is going on around me, I can always be with God in the inner sanctuary, created in my heart. It is there where I find peace in His presence, where my soul is refreshed, and my strength renewed.

I’m also learning the importance of knowing that He is God. When life is spinning out of control, I try to take back control. With my to-do lists and organized calendar system in hand, I attempt to manipulate the situation to fit my desires. I fret, worry, and anticipate what to do next. All the while, forgetting to run to God. This year, I’ve heard Him telling me to be still, to wait, and know that He is God. He’s got it all under control.

God is teaching me to know in the depths of my heart that He is God and that I can trust Him. The very One who spoke the world into being cares about my daily struggles and worries. Nothing happens outside of His control and just as I trust Him for the air I breathe, I can trust Him with all my cares.

His love is stronger than my greatest fears. Nothing can separate me from Him. And knowing that He is God, stills my heart, even when my life just keeps spinning.

Linking up with these friends:

I enjoyed a hike last weekend at Great Falls, outside Washington, D.C. The falls roared as they rushed over the rocks and boulders. I wondered if it’s anything like the sound of those in heaven, singing praises to our God.

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:6

Linking up with these friends:

“Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor coul the scroll contain the whole,
Tho stretched from sky to sky.”

From: “The Love of God” by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917

Linking up with these friends:

“Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel.” Isaiah 44:23

Linking up with these friends:

“You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it.” Isaiah 45:8

“Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It’s bringing mercy, it won’t be long

Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus’ name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I’m not afraid
To be washed in Heaven’s rain”

from “Healing Rain” by Michael W. Smith

Have you been washed in the healing rain?

Linking up with these friends:

(photo of my son taken by my friend, Lisa Tarplee)

“‘Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7 (MSG)

Linking up with these friends:

“But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.” Galatians 5:5

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

Linking up with these friends:

Linking up with these friends: