I Have Seen Thy Tears

Oh man! I have so much that I have learned in the last few days from Bible reading and circumstances that I feel like my cup is so full that I must spill it out before I can gather more to fill it. :)
Yesterday, a friend was relaying her excitement about the LORD opening up and unexpected door after it seemingly seemed that all doors were closed. She was content and at peace with the doors being shut, though, if that was God's will. It so reminded me of the many times You did that for me, LORD. I was searching, searching, and searching trying to find Your will (well actually Your will than conveniently coincided with what I wanted to be Your will). I would always have a "worst door" situation that I didn't want to go through, but it wasn't until I had completely surrendered to going through that "worst door" that You then showed me what You wanted and often it ended up being what I wanted in the first place. It reminds me of the story of Abraham surrendering Issac. He was willing to do the "worst" to show his obedience and love for You, but it wasn't Issac that You wanted. You wanted to see in action Abraham's heart of obedience and strong devotion. I was trying to remember all the times I was put in the "worst door" dilemma...when I was deciding to stay or go after graduation, when I decided to come home after being in Indiana, when You showed me who I was going to marry. Abba, help m ealways to be open to the "worst door" situation to show that I still love You and that I still believe that You are in control.

Next overflowing...Hezekiah...I was so impressed when I was reading about him last night. It's amazing how he had Your ear God. He was told he was going to die by Isaiah the prophet. After he left the room it says that Hezekiah cried and prayed to You and before Isaiah could even leave the house You tell Isaiah
2 Kings 20:5
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee:..

Wow! What a quick answer to prayer, but I also love the way this shows how personal You are. "I have seen thy tears." God, that's comforting to know that You see me cry. To know some one has tears down their face, You have to stare at them. You have to watch them for some time to even notice. Abba, thank You for not only seeing my tears like Hezekiah but also "hearing" and responding to my tears. You are so gentle and so kind. I love You so much!!

It Is Your Life/ Hugs From God

Deut 32-34; Psalm 91
32:46
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
32:47
For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Man, that just rips my heart. "It is your life." So true, my whole purpose is not to fulfill my own dreams and goals...it's to prove His greatness. Abba, forgive me for not making YOU my life. Obeying your commands and telling others of Your greatness. IT IS MY LIFE. It should be my life.

33:27
The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

As a woman, nothing is more comforting and secure than a warm embrace of a loved one's arms. That gesture brings security, comfort, and a such feeling of soundness that words cannot convey. When I think of my heavenly Father's arms wrapped around me, not only comforting me but also shielding me from my enemies, I feel very safe.

Another reminder:
91:4
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

I tried to find a poem that I wrote in college about my Father's arms, but I can't seem to find it now. Oh well. I'll find it eventually. :)