Time is passing so quickly! Father, may I make the best use of the time that is at my disposal. There are so many distractions and so much that needs to be done! Amen.
********
A portion of the prayer from The Spirit of Jesus in The Valley of Vision.
May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
………his strength sustain me in my trials,
………his blessings revive me in my weariness,
………his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
………his might establish me in peace and joy,
………his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer,
………his animation kindle in me undying devotion.
I’ve sort of been stuck on this particular portion of this prayer. I’ve not moved from it for several days in that I have felt led to write about it but have yet to do so.
It resonated with me initially when a dear friend of mine lost her husband. I had been reading the prayer before that, but it truly struck a chord at that time.
All kinds of things plague us in life – disease, financial woes, struggles in all sorts of relationships, employment heartaches…but nothing hits harder than death. Many times, we bounce back from those other “plagues” …but death is final. We carry on with life but part of our support system for doing so is no longer with us.
Indeed the only answer is found in our relationship with Jesus. His Spirit is the only One who can be with us round the clock, seven days a week. Other family members and friends can be there for us but in the dark hours of the night, in those times when there is really no reason for anyone else to be with us…He is.
It isn’t easy – if ever there was an understatement, that is it! – but our relationship with Him is foundational to true peace amid the cacophony of pain and turmoil.
Paul spoke volumes when he wrote these words to the believers in Philippi – and this is one of those passages where I would admonish you to take your time…read it slowly. Read it in the mindset of what you have just read. Stop…and reflect, if a phrase or a word grabs your heart.
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Philippians 4:4-7 AMP
Once more, the portion of the prayer from The Spirit of Jesus in The Valley of Vision.
May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
………his strength sustain me in my trials,
………his blessings revive me in my weariness,
………his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
………his might establish me in peace and joy,
………his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer,
………his animation kindle in me undying devotion.
Amen.
Jan 31st, 2023, Tues, 11:20 am
