But As For Me...

We're in the thick of the change of seasons, from summer into autumn and soon winter will be upon us. Often change is difficult and people dread it (like winter coming on up here in Minnesota) - and we find ourselves reluctant to follow that change, wanting to stay where we've been. We get so used to, and caught up in the comfort of the same things that we tend to miss the movement the Lord want's to bring into our lives. Sometimes those changes that are the most difficult to allow aren't the new job or home, they're not a new baby or marriage, or not even a different boss or pastor that we have to deal with - but rather the changes within.


I have found myself at times feeling like I'm locked in a room, unable to free myself from this place of lonliness and withdrawing. A room that is comfortable, yet empty. And I long for the closeness I once had with the Lord and friends. Have you ever felt just kind of stuck? And to be honest, I know what it will take to be released from that room - but find myself often shying away from making that move - the change needed. And then I think - what's wrong with you girl - you really want to stay in there!! No, I don't, but in my weakness, I need God!


He is so good! As I was crying out this week about the things deep in my heart... He responded (as He always does) and the door was flung open!!


Psalm 71 - (1) O Lord, I have taken refuge...(2) deliver me and rescue me...(3) Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come...(5) For You are my hope O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. (12) Oh God, do not be far from me; hasten to my help!


As I read this - the door swung open - my God who has delivered me became my room - "my rock of habitation" - and I have the freedom to continually come there! The door changed from one I thought was locked to one that was open - open to a room full of love and light. The door to this room is never locked - it's His habitation - His presence! And it brought me great hope once again to remember how God had been my refuge since I was a child!


(14) But as for me...I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more... (20) You...will revive me again, and will bring me up again... (8) My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long... (6) My praise is continually of You!


Do you need hope, freedom from something holding you back? Do you need a refuge from change - or the confidence to walk through that change? Do you need to be living in a different room - one unlocked? Then determine in your heart and step up and say - "But as for me...I will - hope and praise my God more and more!!" That's where your heart will be revived! Fill your mouth with His praise and His glory all day long! I stood this morning in His presence - almost immovable, plastered to the floor - in His presence and it was amazing! Not, bound or lock in a room - but held in His glory!

Writings from Life Through...To A Shout of Joy

The Walk of Joy

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

BE...God's Friend

In a time of prayer and fasting, I was really struggling with the prayer part. I would set aside time to pray, yet so often I struggled with even starting. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me, saying there were so many pressing things I needed to pray about: family, finances, relationships, our marriage, our children, friends, upcoming mission trips, etc. - yet nothing. As I waited, the Holy Spirit said to me, "This is not a time for you to be doing; I want you to just be with me." I was kind of baffled; here the God of the universe just wanted me to be with Him. I didn't have to do all the things we Christians learn we are supposed to do. I just needed to "be" with Him as a friend. So, I gratefully sat there in His presence, with a full heart, crying and worshiping, loving Him. It wasn't long before my mind began to wrestle with the idea of not praying things through.

"Lord, You said we have not because we ask not. I'm supposed to use this time to pray. Everything I've ever been taught says I need to be praying for..."

"Doreen," (often when something is important and the Lord wants to get my attention He uses my name) "don't you trust Me to take care of all that is in your heart? I already know what you need, now please, just be with Me."

"Yes, Lord," I cried, overwhelmed. It was a wonderful time, Creator to created, Father to daughter, Lord to servant and Friend to friend. Spend time with Him. One of the greatest things you will ever "be" is His friend. There is no place like being in His presence, just being with the One who gave everything for you!

Living in His joy and strength!!

See you next week.