Isaiah 25:6 But here on this mountain, God-of-the-Angel-Armies will throw a feast for all the people of the world, A feast of the finest foods, a feast with vintage wines, a feast of seven courses, a feast lavish with gourmet desserts Yes, he'll banish death forever. And God will wipe the tears from every face. He'll remove every sign of disgrace From his people, wherever they are. Yes! God says so! As I type these words, I have tears flowing down my face from the depths of my heart. It's a dark night of the soul for me. I am aware of my pain much more than I am aware of my sin. Oh my God, forgive me. What do I value more than the glory of my God? I can't flesh this one out in Florida. My terror is that I am invisible. Don't count for much. I must stay in the dark night of my soul and be faithful. Surrendered. When you walk in the dark and have no light, you must trust, o my soul. And along comes verses 9 and 10: This is our God! We waited for Him and He showed up and saved us! This God, the One we waited for! Let's celebrate, sing the joys of His salvation. God's Hand rests on this mountain. Oh God, I am just weeping. Would you rest your Hand on my invisible life?
Isaiah 26:3 People with their minds set on You, You keep completely whole. Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Isaiah 26:7-10 The path of right-living people is level The Leveler evens the road for the right-living. We're in no hurry, God. We're content to linger in the path sign-posted with your decisions. Who you are and what you've done are all we'll ever want. Through the night my soul longs for you. Deep from within me my spirit reaches out to you.
Isaiah 27:3 I, God, tend to you. I keep you well-watered. I keep careful watch over you so that no one can damage you. I'm not angry. I care...find a good and whole life with me. (paraphrased)
Bev, I feel your faithfulness even in the dark. You have been such an honest example for me of authentic trust in the dark night of the soul. I am praying this morning for you, for your spirit to be lifted, for your joy this August morning to return, for you to wrestle with God and triumph.
ReplyDeleteThe verses that spoke to you were identical to mine, which happens fairly often yet always surprises me. They seem so personal, so written for this heart, and then I see how universal they are to the listening soul. Praying for transformation not just academic exercises of my imagination this day.
I woke up in Boston Harbor to a flame red sky where darkness was split open by day. Today is the 30th anniversary of our wedding day. Hard to believe but God's miraculous Grace prevailed. I posted a picture on FB if you want to check it out of the sunrise at 4 a.m. It seems very fitting for today's readings. When day breaks open the darkness and banishes it forever. When there'll be no more tears and death is banished. Dark nights of the soul are condemned to hell and the brilliance of His Light is everlasting Day. And the real Wedding Feast is celebrated.
" This is our God! We waited for him and he showed up and saved us! This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate, sing the joys of his salvation. God's hand rests on this mountain!"
Bev, my words would seem shallow in the midst of your pain. May you hear His and know this: You are not invisible! I am praying for the Lifter of your head to do just that for you today.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, Happy Anniversary! Today is ours also. 41 years! You are so right: God's
miraculous Grace...there is no other explanation.
Longing for the day when God-of-the-Angel-Armies will take over.
FG
I will come back and post about the readings for today but I just wanted to say to you, Bev, that I have you in my heart. Invisible? Hardly. I see your long, beautiful hair and your deep,penetrating eyes in my memory of meeting you at Beth's church several months ago. I remember the smile you had even though you've been through so much! But more than any physical memories, I remember the grace and strength of God's Glory covering you.
ReplyDeleteSolitude is a place of drawing away into the necessary things. Don't feel invisible. If anything, you are in the "battery charger" of God's Holy Spirit as He recharges you and continues taking you on His path of righteousness. He is making you holy. And it is a sobering trip to be on.
Annette and FG, group hug...with lots of giggles over the sweetness of God's Grace in your marriages! How wonderful to know that you are both celebrating on this same day! I pray that you both will feel so cherished today.
I have to tell y'all something funny. Tomorrow is the last session with the study on Ruth and it has joyfully met some precious needs in my life focusing on my Kinsman-Redeemer as I weep over my own marriage. I know God has a plan for me. I trust Him.
Today I bought the cutest red shoes to wear tomorrow (like the one's on the cover of the book). And a brand new outfit to go with the shoes. Then I went by and bought three gorgeous red roses and a package of Danish wedding cookies! I'm planning on celebrating on my own tomorrow the beauty of Christ's Love over us.
May God touch all our hearts with His Redeeming Love!
Deborah, you know how to celebrate right! A perfect time to study Ruth and see our Kinsman Redeemer. I celebrate with you our Authenticator, the One who makes us count, no longer nothing, but precious and redeemed. Happy Anniversary, FG, too--just when I thought we'd topped out at 30, you lend testimony that 41 are indeed possible too! Much blessing to all of you. You make my day.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, you are a blessing! I will continue to pray for God's favor on your life.
ReplyDeleteI want to see a picture of you in those red shoes!
FG