Shifts

I am always surprised by just how much You can change, and how far I can come, in the space of a short time. I did not think it would take me 2 months to find my way, the way You cleared for me, out of that emotional maze I threw myself into, and I thank You, beyond what words can express, for what You have made possible in that time.

I am thankful to you, Jesus, for this life changing summer.

I have learned that often, it is those who are or have faced the same demons, who are the most unkind and unloving. I don’t say that as judgment, I get it. It’s hard to have your weaknesses reflected back at you.

I have learned how to find compassion for others in the midst of my pain.

I have learned that 2 things can be true at once, when it comes to us humans. We are complicated beings. We are wounded, and we are sinners.
You help me see the cause, the root of the sin, and teach me how to love the sinner, while withholding a seat at my table.

You have taught me so much about me, yes.
I have learned a lot about my pain, my strengths, my weaknesses, but I have learned so much more about You, Jesus.
The closer we become, the more I feel whole, but also the more easily my heart breaks for those still lost to the truth and the beauty of who You are and what You offer.

The pages are turning. The chapters are coming to a close.
In all of it, I see Your hand. Thank You.
I now find that I am more settled on You, my foundation, than I was before.
The most significant lesson here, for me, has been You.

I see You better.
I feel You closer.
I hear You clearer.

I am thankful for what You are doing here. I don’t understand it all, but then I don’t need to, and I hope in time, I will learn to obey more and doubt less.

Thank You, for all you have done. Thank You for all that you will continue to do.
Thank you for the humbling reality that You have been here all along.
Thank You for a new found love for Your people. I pray I never look at them the same way again. I will pray for them Lord. I will pray for them all, until 1 by 1, Jesus, they all find their way home to You.

This week is one of incredible significance for us, Jesus.
This year is one of great significance.

I marvel at the beauty you’re creating out of the messes I surrendered.

Thank you, Jesus.
My soul rejoices.

“I am suffering and in pain.
Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.
Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,
more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.
The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;
he does not despise his imprisoned people.
Praise him, O heaven and earth,
the seas and all that move in them.
For God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah.
His people will live there and settle in their own land.
The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land,
and those who love him will live there in safety.”
Psalms 69: 29-36 NLT

‘Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink,
he will still be with you to teach you.
You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left.
Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images.
You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!”
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem,
you will weep no more.
He will be gracious if you ask for help.
He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. ‘
Isaiah 30:18-22 NLT