surrounded, part 2

2^nd Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2016 (6:06 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for surrounding us with Your love (Psalm 32:10b). We started talking about it yesterday morning and the power of this Truth remained with me throughout the night. Thank You God.

Thank You that in looking at the various translations and paraphrases I saw so many other words describing the same fact. “... mercy shall compass...” Lovingkindness. Compassion. Faithful / unfailing / steadfast / constant / loyal / abiding love. Grace. “... Your kindness shields...”

Reviewing these many renditions, I take notice of the adjectives used in describing Your love. Blessed Father, thank You that You are so very intentional in Your teachings. You mean for us to learn. To trust. To follow You.

Thank You for this Season of Preparation to celebrate Your Son's birth. Thank You for His precious life. Thank You for the supreme cost of Your plan to rescue and redeem Your people.

Thank You for the following two rewordings of Your Truth. Please note the genuine, complete smile encompassing my entire being as I consider myself in this passage (verses 9-11).

The Voice, “But don't be stubborn and stupid like horses and mules who, if not reined by leather and metal, will run wild, ignoring their masters. Tormented and empty are wicked and destructive people, but the one who trusts in the Eternal is wrapped tightly in His gracious love. Express your joy; be happy in Him, you who are good and true. Go ahead, shout and rejoice aloud, you whose hearts are honest and straightforward.”

Words like stubborn and stupid ring so very true in describing me at times. Running wild. Ignoring masters. And then Your Truth reminds us of being wrapped tightly in Your gracious love, to express our joy and be happy in You. To rejoice. Aloud!

Thank You Father. Truly, absolutely thank You.

The Message, “'Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.' God-defiers are always in trouble; GOD-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around. Celebrate GOD. Sing together – everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!”

Oh yes please! Father I long to be a GOD-affirmer. To truly celebrate You and raise the roof in the process. Empower and embolden me to do exactly that. Every time I turn around.

Thank You for time together this morning. Be with us as we use this day as yet another adventure in serving and celebrating You. We love You Father. Thank You for surrounding us in Your perfect, incredible love. Amen.

(423 words ~ 6:52 a.m.)