Give us, Oh Lord…
“Give us Oh Lord, Steadfast hearts, which no unworthy thoughts can drag down; unconquered hearts, which no tribulation can wear out; upright hearts, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.” ~Amen. (written by A Philip Darham)
I had written that down in a journal years ago. My son pulled it out today, and showed me the journal, asking if he could write in it. I usually let him write through my appointment books, or where I write random things down, so I said, “let me see what is in it…”
As I opened the journal, and read that prayer, the words just sank into me, and I felt myself not just reading the prayer, but actually praying it and meaning it. Tears came to my eyes, and it surprised me.
I’ve spent these last few months, wondering “how exactly, does God, ‘give me strength’ when I’m sooo worn out?” ”How does He help me when I feel like there’s burdens on me, and problems that I can’t solve…How?”
When I was handed that journal today, and read those words, I saw How God gives me strength. He offers hope. He offers inspiration. He found a way to bring me back to Himself. He found a way to speak for me, to articulate what I was trying to explain to myself. Instead of praying for situations and things to change, I should be praying for a steadfast, unconquered and upright heart.
He says keep going, be strong, courageous. He doesn’t tell me to sit and analyze “how” and “why.” He asks me to trust and go, and do. He tells us to learn, and live, and love. For me to sit back and wonder “why,” and “how,” and basically feel sorry for myself, really doesn’t accomplish anything, but a stagnant mind and an uncomfortable distance from the one I should be leaning into, and walking with.
This may not make sense to anyone, because I think that God speaks to everyone differently. I get inspired easily, I like to have hope..
It was just nice to hear something today. It was nice to open that door of communication, again.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:03 am
What a precious and intimate moment with the Lord! Praise Him for his “strange and mysterious ways!” I find it interesting that you and Brody both received the encouragement to KEEP GOING during this time… He must have big blessings in store for you guys.
(I get inspired easily, too.)
July 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Kristin – I, too have had the experience of one of my kiddos handing me an old journal or prayer book of mine and looking down to read something the Lord had me record long ago – then, feeling it come alive again. Fresh, raw, real. This was a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it with us. It blessed me today.
Blessings, peace, (and safety on your camping trip) – Melody
July 11th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Awesome Kristin. Thank you for sharing this has encouraged me too.
July 11th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Thank you for sharing this today. I needed it also. I love how God cares so much about us.
July 12th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
My dearest Kristin, is it not an amazing place to be?! I pray we will always find ourselves there on our knees at His feet because most often we do not have the fuel to keep going and do not know the way, but He does. We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). I thank God for leading you to share this amazing moment you had with Him and I pray it will continue!
I thank God for never leaving us nor forsaking us and the fact that He makes all that seem impossible to us possible. As I read this post, I will deeply touched because I was sensing the intimacy you shared with our Daddy and could only pray that we desire more of Him as we surrender all to Him…He has our hearts/lives and we are His forever. I love you Kristin…Do not give up for you and Brody plus the entire family, of course, are God’s gift to us!