This is My Desire

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

Isn't it funny how whenever we spend time in prayer a lot of that time is spent telling God what we want and asking Him to fulfill our desires.  There we are, reminding God Almighty, who knows EVERYTHING what it is that we think will make us happy.  These verses hit me hard when I read them because they reminded me that God knows what I want even better than I know.   In fact, there are many times in my life (right now is one of those times) when I am downright unsure of what I want.  Of course I have heard before that God knows exactly what we are going to ask of Him before we even ask, but sometimes we just need to be reminded of important truths like this one.  It is so comforting to me to know that no matter how good my plans are, God's plans are always so much better!  They are so great that I would never be able to imagine them for myself!  Another line in this passage that stood out to me was "according to the power at work within us".  I love that because it points out that these cool plans that God has can be carried out through anyone who has the Holy Spirit working within their hearts!  That God can use sinful me to accomplish His purposes is a truth that continues to amaze me each time I think upon it!  I want to be a part of these awesome plans!  I might not know what God is going to do, and I may not be able to comprehend His ways, but I must be willing to let Him use me in ways that surpass my greatest imagination! 

My Refuge

"For God ALONE my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He ONLY is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

How long will all of you attack a man 

to batter him,

like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

They only plan to thrust him down from

his high position.

They take pleasure in falsehood.

They bless with their mouths,

but inwardly they curse.

For God ALONE, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He ONLY is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at ALL TIMES, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

Those of low estate are but a breath;

those of high estate are a delusion;

in the balances they go up,

they are together lighter than a breath.

Put no trust in extortion;

set no vain hopes on robbery;

if riches increase, set not your heart

on them.

Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this;

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord, belongs

steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his work."

Psalm 62

At my lowest times, I tend to look to others for comfort and advice.  This is not, in and of itself, a bad thing, as God did create us as beings that desire relationships.  The problem arises when I look to other people first instead of first laying my burdens before the Lord.  I looked up the word refuge and the definition was, "a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble."  God is our refuge forever.  People will come and go throughout our lives, but God is constant, or "steadfast".  I love the word "steadfast".  It just fills me with hope and reassurance. It means "resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering".  That is the kind of love that our Father has for us!  How amazing it is that we have a God that will listen as we pour out our hearts to Him!