Don't ever think that because of the way I write and my outlook on God's plans that I don't ever struggle. I am not immune to temptations, hurts, concerns, burdens and just the cares of this world. The weakness of the flesh can be a horrible thing. This morning I woke early with a heavy burden and much discouragement. The flesh was in control. I lay there in frustration and allowing a hopeless feeling to wash over me, even some anger. I knew that sleep would not return on this Saturday morning. I knew I needed to just get up.
I made my way down the hall, grabbed a blanket and headed to the couch..................and knelt. My attempts to pray seemed weak and I had trouble staying focused. Prayer seemed much more difficult this morning, but I stayed with it calling to God in my spirit. I heard Kay coming down the hall and suddenly she was beside me. After a minute she asked what was on my heart and what I needed prayer for. As I was stood up I told her of what I was carrying, the feeling of hopelessness and then I said, ........"and I don't know what to do."
ALL PRAISE TO THE HOLY ONE WHO HAS TAUGHT ME WHAT TO DO WHEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
As I walked down the hall, I knew I couldn't allow the devil to take this day. Years ago I would have. The entire day would have become nothing but worry, fear and frustration. As much as my flesh wanted me to, I couldn't let that happen. A decision had to be made.
I returned to Kay and reached for the remote to the surround sound. I could stay where I was, but I've come way to far and grown way to much to give in to discouragement. Often when it's a little harder for me to pray, I turn to music. Worship music. God uses it to calm my spirit and quiet me. I turned on Pandora (Pandora.com----internet radio) and the station that I titled "Hillsong Radio" which isn't just Hillsong, but artists who are similar to them.
AND WITH THAT, IT WAS OVER.
As soon as I heard the first sounds, I knew this day had turned. It was like Jesus walked down the hall and just stood there looking. It was if as if He said, "You have ears to hear...... now hear," and just stood there looking.
"He called me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail..............................." For some reading this you will know that is the first line to "Oceans" by Hillsong United, "......And there I find you in the mystery. In oceans deep, my faith will stand...............
AND I WILL CALL UPON YOUR NAME
AND KEEP MY EYES ABOVE THE WAVES
WHEN OCEAN RISE MY SOUL WILL REST IN YOUR EMBRACE
I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE."
Through this song I was reminded the He's never failed me, and He won't start now.
There was no thought of coincidence as the next few songs that followed spoke directly to where I was this morning. I was reminded to lift my eyes up because my help comes from the Lord. Kay and I heard clearly
"MY FOES ARE MANY, THEY RISE AGAINST ME,
BUT I WILL HOLD MY GROUND.
I WILL NOT FEAR THE WAR, I WILL NOT FEAR THE STORM,
MY HELP IS ON THE WAY, MY HELP IS ON THE WAY.........."
And as this song continued I could hear Kay softly crying as her spirit was resonating with the reassurance and encouragement coming from our steadfast and faithful Jesus. I will embed this song/video at the end of my thoughts.
The battle for the day was over, Together we had taken back the "high ground." My faith began to soar. My Lord, my God, my strength in Christ burning and searing through my soul. My God who NEVER fails.
Later as we were sitting down to a delicious breakfast that my wife had prepared I asked her, "What do you want to do today?" No, we still can't see the answer to this morning's specific burdens, be we know the ONE who does and He has paid us a visit this morning. That is more than enough for me. I followed up my question to Kay with, "I just don't want to waste this day." Yes, this day, there are so many things that can be done. There is so much life to experience in this day. Another day to carry the life source that comes from Jesus. Another day to let the whole world know that Jesus saves and He is the answer.
My prayer now is that you are encouraged by this. This God who I find strength and resolve in is your God, too. Maybe you don't really know Him yet, but He is ready to introduce Himself to you. He contains every answer to every problem and frustration that you've ever had. Many do know this God; this Jesus who has the words of eternal life. Don't stop pushing, pressing in to know Him even more. Pieces of His Kingdom keep breaking off and falling to earth. Keep position; hold the high ground. For me, I connect with worship and music. For you it may be something else, but whatever it takes to gather your thoughts and regain focus on the Lord.........................just do it!!!!!!!
When a situation comes, when the cares of this world try to rest upon you..........remember:
When you don't know what to do, you know EXACTLY what to do!
With great love,
Mark S.
I made my way down the hall, grabbed a blanket and headed to the couch..................and knelt. My attempts to pray seemed weak and I had trouble staying focused. Prayer seemed much more difficult this morning, but I stayed with it calling to God in my spirit. I heard Kay coming down the hall and suddenly she was beside me. After a minute she asked what was on my heart and what I needed prayer for. As I was stood up I told her of what I was carrying, the feeling of hopelessness and then I said, ........"and I don't know what to do."
ALL PRAISE TO THE HOLY ONE WHO HAS TAUGHT ME WHAT TO DO WHEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
As I walked down the hall, I knew I couldn't allow the devil to take this day. Years ago I would have. The entire day would have become nothing but worry, fear and frustration. As much as my flesh wanted me to, I couldn't let that happen. A decision had to be made.
I returned to Kay and reached for the remote to the surround sound. I could stay where I was, but I've come way to far and grown way to much to give in to discouragement. Often when it's a little harder for me to pray, I turn to music. Worship music. God uses it to calm my spirit and quiet me. I turned on Pandora (Pandora.com----internet radio) and the station that I titled "Hillsong Radio" which isn't just Hillsong, but artists who are similar to them.
AND WITH THAT, IT WAS OVER.
As soon as I heard the first sounds, I knew this day had turned. It was like Jesus walked down the hall and just stood there looking. It was if as if He said, "You have ears to hear...... now hear," and just stood there looking.
"He called me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail..............................." For some reading this you will know that is the first line to "Oceans" by Hillsong United, "......And there I find you in the mystery. In oceans deep, my faith will stand...............
AND I WILL CALL UPON YOUR NAME
AND KEEP MY EYES ABOVE THE WAVES
WHEN OCEAN RISE MY SOUL WILL REST IN YOUR EMBRACE
I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE."
Through this song I was reminded the He's never failed me, and He won't start now.
There was no thought of coincidence as the next few songs that followed spoke directly to where I was this morning. I was reminded to lift my eyes up because my help comes from the Lord. Kay and I heard clearly
"MY FOES ARE MANY, THEY RISE AGAINST ME,
BUT I WILL HOLD MY GROUND.
I WILL NOT FEAR THE WAR, I WILL NOT FEAR THE STORM,
MY HELP IS ON THE WAY, MY HELP IS ON THE WAY.........."
And as this song continued I could hear Kay softly crying as her spirit was resonating with the reassurance and encouragement coming from our steadfast and faithful Jesus. I will embed this song/video at the end of my thoughts.
The battle for the day was over, Together we had taken back the "high ground." My faith began to soar. My Lord, my God, my strength in Christ burning and searing through my soul. My God who NEVER fails.
Later as we were sitting down to a delicious breakfast that my wife had prepared I asked her, "What do you want to do today?" No, we still can't see the answer to this morning's specific burdens, be we know the ONE who does and He has paid us a visit this morning. That is more than enough for me. I followed up my question to Kay with, "I just don't want to waste this day." Yes, this day, there are so many things that can be done. There is so much life to experience in this day. Another day to carry the life source that comes from Jesus. Another day to let the whole world know that Jesus saves and He is the answer.
My prayer now is that you are encouraged by this. This God who I find strength and resolve in is your God, too. Maybe you don't really know Him yet, but He is ready to introduce Himself to you. He contains every answer to every problem and frustration that you've ever had. Many do know this God; this Jesus who has the words of eternal life. Don't stop pushing, pressing in to know Him even more. Pieces of His Kingdom keep breaking off and falling to earth. Keep position; hold the high ground. For me, I connect with worship and music. For you it may be something else, but whatever it takes to gather your thoughts and regain focus on the Lord.........................just do it!!!!!!!
When a situation comes, when the cares of this world try to rest upon you..........remember:
When you don't know what to do, you know EXACTLY what to do!
With great love,
Mark S.
Good word Mark.
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