For By Him and Him Alone...

By Him and His will I was created and have my being.

"By Him and His will all things were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:11)

Thoughts, conceptions too large  to comprehend, to understand from a human standpoint. So I will simply believe what I read, and as said, let it be.

Ah, few words... I am His... as are we all.

Words read this morning bring peace, comfort whosoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Fear of man will prove to be a snare. (Proverbs 29:25)

Have been there. It is true.

Narrow and lowly sighted is the source of this fear. Fear of rejection of that which can be seen -- yet it can dissipate with the nod of a Head, wave of the Hand, or the slightest breath from One's Nostril.

I was young, now I'm older -- relation with the One who cannot be seen -- this is the goal, where acceptance can be found, where real treasure lies, where beauty exists, and from where peace and true comfort come. Trust, believe.

Jonah to the Almighty God of heaven and earth...

Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs... Jonah 2:8 And the Lord commanded the fish...

God to Jonah...

But Nineveh has...people...who cannot tell their right hand from their left...should I [God] not be concerned...? Jonah 4:11

As should I. It's not about me. No, but Thee. Fear not what people do or say. Again, yea, trust in Him Who cannot be seen. For those who can be seen are just like me. In need. He knows.

For By Him and His will all things were created and have their being. Look to Him. He holds the key.

A clear mind - a quiet mind, gifts in themself... to hear that Still and Small Voice.

In quietness and confidence lies strength (paraphrased, Isaiah 30:15)

Oh quietness to hear and
trusting confidence for strength.

For by You and Your will alone was I created and have my being.

Listen to Her Cry

Sitting in my living room listening to the cry of a dear friend share from her broken heart. I do not know HER pain. I know MY pain.  Everyone's pains are their own. Yet, I know that Jesus knows each of our pains and sufferings. "A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Isaiah 53:3

If she is cut, I know it is painful, I have been cut. But this is HER cut, on HER body; HER nerves transmit the pain. My eyes "see" her wound, my ears "hear" her expressed cry and pain: my memory is stirred with memories of similar pain. I cannot feel her pain. All I know is, my heart hurts with and for her. I listen to her cry.

I listen to how in her conversation she intertwines herself with those who have inflicted pain on her. I recognize that intertwinement, I've done it. I remind myself, I was not and am not them, I am me; I am separate from my tormentors, from those who caused me harm. I know I cannot explain that to my dear friend right now. I listen to her cry. I am thankful I can be there for her. I pray the Holy Spirit comforts her and that He reminds her that He is with her through this and will help her as she cast her cares and pains on the Lord.

I pray for my friend as I listen to her cry.  I know only Jesus can heal her heart. I tuck the morning happenings away in my heart and go on with my day. I'm reminded of the scripture, "Blessed by God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforted and comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 1 Corinthians 2:3-4


(Saturday, April 30, 2011)