TRUST IN GOD ALONE
I recently began a new devotional – Joy in the Journey through the Year -a collection of writings from some of Michael Card’s books. There are six devotions – one for each weekday and one that combines Saturday and Sunday. Each devotion begins with scripture, short book excerpts, and a question or statement encouraging you to journal a response. I thought it would help me get back into journaling daily with thoughts, poetry, and scripture. Though I’ve missed a few days, I’m beginning to make a daily habit.
The first day starts with reminding us that Jesus is the Word. He is God-in-the-flesh. He is wisdom, and He is light. Without the Word, we would be lost in a vast, chaotic world with no hope. In short, we would be in bondage to sin and at the mercy of whatever the current philosophy. With the Word, we have order, purpose, true freedom and peace of mind, and the sure hope of eternal life. Though some trials and evils befall us, we trust in God alone to uphold us.
DESIRING GOD ABOVE ALL
The devotion for this weekend is titled It All Belongs to Him, and the verse shared is:
Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. (Psalm 73:25)
The chapter begins by reminding us of the beautiful gift of creation that we enjoy. Yet we must be careful not to let the gift overshadow the Giver, who is God. Here’s a quote:
“Perhaps we are tempted to embrace God’s gifts because we really desire to possess them… God gives us fantastic gifts, but he wants us to remember that everything belongs to him. He wants to be our only possession.”
When I read that last sentence, it reminded me of some words in Michael Card’s song “The Things We Leave Behind.”
“With Jesus our only possession,
Then giving becomes our delight.
And we can’t imagine the freedom we find
From the things we leave behind.”
LORD, HERE’S MY HEART
Yesterday, as I listened to the song, pondering the words, I began writing a poem. This morning I finished the poem as I thought about my desire to put God first and to live in the freedom that He provides. When I trust in God alone, I can have joy and peace and be generous in sharing with others.
Lord, here’s my heart Fill it with desire for You above all others Turning from the world with its empty promises I trust God alone When I surrender His love freely flows through me Bringing hope and light With God in first place possessions are held lightly All are gifts from Him I will freely share with a heart of compassion Giving thanks and praise I am not my own Yet I enjoy true freedom Resting in God’s hands Though trials will come There is no need to worry He will see me through Lord, here’s my heart I will always follow You, My source of freedom
Though I desire to put God first, I don’t always succeed. Yet God’s love is greater than I can fathom, and He is always ready to forgive. Thinking of all the love He has shown me helps me share it with others.
Have you listened to the song? Did it stir any thoughts in your heart?
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday, #LetsHaveCoffee
Oh I love that song, Gayl, and your poem flows so well with it. That song meant so much to me many years ago. So I thank you for stirring those memories and encouraging me to revisit those thoughts in this season of my life. I long to embrace Him more fully here too. Blessings and prayers dear sister! ♥️
It really is a good song, Bettie! I’m glad it has encouraged you in the past and again now. Thank you for your support and love, dear Bettie. I’m so glad we can encourage each other. Blessings, love and hugs to you, sweet sister! xoxo
Gayl, this entire post was just beautiful – the thoughts, your poem, and the song! I have not ever heard the song before. As I listened (more than once) it hit me that while in this life we may leave things behind, Jesus never leaves us. We take Him wherever we go and nothing can ever separate us from Him. And today, that is a most encouraging and comforting thought to my soul! Bless you!
Joanne, thank you so much! You are right – Jesus never leaves us, no matter what, and that really is a comforting truth.
I’m glad you liked the song. It really is a good one.
I’m so glad you were encouraged today! Blessings to you! xo
I haven’t heard the song before, but I like it and your poem is beautiful.
Lesley, thank you so much! Blessings to you!