Yesterday, I do my best at being "real" on the blog.
Baby steps.
Then it happens.
As I tuck myself in for a night's sleep, I am distracted by a horrible headache. Rather than moan all the more, I decided to pick up a Bible on my nightstand and read. Was I in for a treat!
The pages of the Bible fall open. Now, I am not one to automatically think that where the pages fall is where I need to read. However, last night that is EXACTLY what happened and what I needed.
Here I just finished lamenting my inability to wait well and I find myself face to face with "Developing Patience" in BOLD type. Romans chapter 5 is where my Bible fell open and my eyes were drawn to Romans 5:3-5 The Message verson (italics mine).
There is more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we are hemmed in with troubles, because we know that troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience forges the tempered steel of virtue. Keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary, we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
Now, I am one who is better at moaning my laments than shouting my praises. My eeyore-like thinking keeps me rooted on the circumstances and spending too much time looking down.
I need to do a little shouting.
I need to be alert and looking up in expectancy.
I need to be gathering some passionate patience! As I said, it doesn't come naturally but it does come supernaturally - much like I believe this verse did - at this moment - for me.
As I fell asleep, this song came to my mind. Fitting don't you think.
Lord, I will praise you in the midst of this storm. It is still raining but I can hear your whisper and feel the warmth of your breath upon me. Thank you for pouring your mercy and grace upon me. Thank you for your Word that is alive, active and oh, so tangible.
Lord, I will praise you in the midst of this storm. It is still raining but I can hear your whisper and feel the warmth of your breath upon me. Thank you for pouring your mercy and grace upon me. Thank you for your Word that is alive, active and oh, so tangible.
© A Sacred Longing 2009
Great post and a reminder to me to quit my lamenting as well! BTW - I like the look of your blog. I think it is new, isn't it? I usually visit your blog from my PDA which just gives me the text but have been here a couple times via my computer (today being one of them). Thought you had a different look but maybe it's just me - you know, that over 50 thing - LOL! Anyway... The song is one of my favorites by Casting Crowns! Have a great weekend...
ReplyDeleteRecently in our Priscilla Shirer study, "one in a million", she talked about God's instructions to the Israelites just prior to their crossing the Red Sea.
ReplyDelete1. Be fearless.
2. Be still.
3. Be watchful.
4. Be silent.
I couldn't help but think about these points while reading your words here.
I love going to sleep with God's Word on my mind. It really does me good to have my lost thoughts be about him.
Rest well this night.
peace~elaine
Isn't He the best? He give us just what we need. He's giving you a little Dad advice.
ReplyDeleteI'm still praying for you and your family, Denise.
Blessings,
laura
Passionate patience! I love those words joined together!
ReplyDeleteOh, that I may seek God for such!
Yes, what an awesome blessing the Lord had waiting for you. Thank you for sharing, dear friend.
Blessings,
Andrea
Sis,
ReplyDeleteThanks for being revealing and sharing with us. I am praying with and for you.
Love you.
A lesson we should all heed. I, too, like the idea of passionate patience!
ReplyDeleteThere is a precious older woman in our church family. Her name is Jewel. Anyway, Jewel has shared with us before that when we hear her praising God the loudest, that's usually when she's going through very difficult times. Your post confirms what she has been telling us!
Blessings to you...
just wanted you to know I'm praying for your sis-in-law tonight and posted it on my blog :) blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. We all should be praising GOD in "all" circumstances!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
a single notion of patience draw us nearer to our God....and make us obedient towards His very very specific and intelligent course of action....
ReplyDeletenice way of communicating of such an essential idea...
love it! as usual you have outdone yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteHello! Nice to meet you. I just want to thank you and let you know how much your greetings blessed me! I traced your footprints so here I am to walk with you in this journey :)
ReplyDeleteSo excited that we are both in the same profession but even more because we are sisters in Christ!
Don't you love it that when the Lord speaks, His Word does penetrate like a double-edged sword! His Word is indeed alive! Amen! The waiting is always the hardest but I think He is preparing us to have that in our character as we await for the future glory! Blessings to you sister and for sure, I'll visit you again and again:)
Lovely post Denise,
ReplyDeleteI just found you for the first time. I can sympathise with your post. And the song is one I sing alot at least the words go through my mind. Thanks for the reminder your heartfelt post encourages. Makes one realize your not alone. We all go through frustration and impatience sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
Have a Blessed Day,
Sherry
I came across your blog this evening and thought I'd leave a little note. The storms are never something I look forward to, but I am so thankful that when He draws me out into them, He always draws me to Him. The most difficult challenges have always been some of the greatest times of meeting and closeness with my Lord. I know this does not answer any questions, but hopefully it encourages you that He gives grace, unmatched, in the deepest waters.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you today dear sister.
ReplyDeletePraying still for your precious sister in law.
Love you.
Praying that you feel His arms around you as you pass through the storm. ...
ReplyDeleteStumbled across your site and sooo blessed by your post! Wonderful reminder of the importance of "passionate patience" - holding onto Him and His promises and waiting upon His wonderful timing and breakthrough! I love Psalm 142:3... When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path....
ReplyDeleteMy great comfort from this scripture is that HE KNOWS where I am and what's going on and as I wait on Him I will continue on my path in victory!! Glory to God!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie