WAIT AND TRUST
How can we learn to wait and trust in the faithfulness of God? One way is to spend time with God in prayer, taking time to be still.
Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight of Waiting is an Advent book written by Kris Camealy. Her words invite us to think about what it means to wait, and to focus on the faithfulness of God. The readings start on December 1, beginning each chapter with a portion of Scripture. Each reading has a different theme and includes a question for reflection and a prayer.
The reflection question for Day 1 is: How am I wanting to see God move today? I’ll share my answer at the end of the post.
I did a lot of pondering on the question and began writing a poem. Then more reflection while wandering around outside and partly in the woods. The air was crisp and a bit breezy but oh so refreshing. Whenever I am down, just spending time outside always lifts my spirits.
There were still some flowers blooming on my porch and in the garden.
After walking a bit I went on the porch to ride the exercise bike, and this was my view.
As I reflected on the beauty, I was thankful for God’s provision. There was no need for me to be anxious, because He knows what is best. I need to learn to trust more. When I went back inside I worked more on the poem. After a break to fix and eat supper I was able to finish it.
GOD’S LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH
My heart is stubborn, weak and selfish,
in need of healing
I hold on to past hurts looking for
someone or something to blame
Discontentment reigns as I focus on
problems instead of solutions
Stress takes its toll causing
shoulder pain and stiffness
I long for a closer walk with God
yet I put off prayer time
A few words of Scripture read at night
are often easily forgotten
Why do I carry these burdens?
Where can I find peace and contentment?
Who can pierce the thickness of my heart?
God, with His Light of Truth
breaks through the gloom
as love like a rushing stream pours in
opening wide my heart
filling it with abundant mercy
forgiveness and healing
I loosen my grip relinquishing my hold
Stress levels decrease, my body relaxes
Chaos gradually gives way to peace and joy
Grace will sustain me wherever I go
My mouth overflows with praise to God
sharing His love in words, photos and art
~gayl wright
Now as promised I’ll answer this question. How am I wanting to see God move today?
I want Him to pierce my stubborn heart so that I am free of the burdens that are not mine to carry, so I can better be a channel of His love to my family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.
I would also ask myself if I’m willing to wait for His leading and not rush ahead in my own strength. Will I wait and trust in God and His faithfulness?
What about you? How do you want to see God move today? Are you willing to wait on Him?
I’m linking up with #FreshMarketFriday, #LMMLinkup, #DanceWithJesus, #Faith’nFriends, #Grace&Truth, #InspireMeMonday, #MomentsofHope, #Glimpses, #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup, #CoffeeforYourHeart
Dear Gayl,
Oh my heart echos this along with you: “I want Him to pierce my stubborn heart so that I am free of the burdens that are not mine to carry,” as I too often hold onto things that I should let go of! He came to free us from those burdens, and to give us His Life and Love. May I look up to HIM this Christmas! Blessings and Hugs to you during this Advent Season!
Dear Bettie,
Thank you so much for your encouragement! Yes, He came to free us and we sometimes keep holding on as if we could fix things ourselves. He’s so patient with us and I pray that we will continue to look to Him.
Many blessings to you with love and hugs! xo
Beautiful, Gayl … love this … “I want Him to pierce my stubborn heart so that I am free of the burdens that are not mine to carry, so I can better be a channel of His love to my family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.”
Thank you, Dianne! May God help us to be the channels of love He wants us to be.
Blessings to you!
Such an uplifting poem — and the idea of keeping an exercise bike on the porch is amazing!
Thank you so much, Michele! My daughter came to help me clean and organize before Thanksgiving and it was her idea to put it on the porch. I agree, it’s an amazing idea. Such a beautiful way to get some exercise.
Blessings to you and have a great weekend! xo
Wonderful word today. I pray that God would also pierce my stubborn heart. I love your poem!
Thank you, Valerie! I’m so glad you love the poem. 🙂 May God enable us to shine for Him. Blessings to you!
Gayl, What a beautiful poem! Your words describe my own struggle as well-craving the peace of Christ but finding myself distracted from prayer and scripture. Piercing-painful yet necessary. It comes out of love from Jesus whose own heart was “pierced” so that nothing would block us from directly surrendering our burdens to our God.
Thank you so much, Stephanie! I think many of us share that same struggle. It’s so easy to be distracted. Yes, Jesus loves us so much He was willing to be tortured and put to death. Praise God He is alive and still loving us with neverending love.
Blessings to you! Have a wonderful weekend!
This is lovely, Gayl. You captured such profound truth in the skilled and honed beauty of your words!
Here from Inspire Me Monday.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/12/your-dying-spouse-241-when-caregiver.html
Thank you so much, Andrew! You have really encouraged me today. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort. I pray you will have a good day today, and that God will be near in the hard and painful times.
Poem captures today – the holding on, the neglect and the benefits of letting God.
Thanks for visiting, Leslie! I don’t know why we insist on holding on sometimes when we know God’s way is best. I’m so thankful He is with us loving and forgiving and showing mercy and grace.
Blessings to you!
Lovely poem, and beautiful reminders to focus on the beauty around us. Thanks, Gayl.
Thank you, Carol! I’m glad you stopped by.
Blessings to you and have a great week ahead!
Beautiful, Gayl! I love the way God reminds us of His faithfulness and His nearness to us. I love the outdoors, too. I feel His presence there. And, btw, love love love these fun snowflakes on your page!!!! Thank you for sharing hope with us at #MomentsofHope. I appreciate you ♥
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Lori!
Many blessings to you with smiles and hugs right back!
Gayl. Loved this poem and you welcoming us into your day. Seems like “wait” has been on my heart today. The Lord reminded me of the value of it only this morning. I don’t normally do this, but your post reminds me of my Secret Place this morning:
http://www.christinemalkemes.com/my-soul-waits/
Thank you, Christine! I think waiting is hard for most of us in our busy culture. But when we wait or take time to slow down, to read scripture, to pray. When we stop instead of continually running we are more aware of God and His handiwork.
Thank you for sharing your post. That “secret place” is so needed for all of us.
Blessings to you!